Based on the dynamic theory of rolling bearings, the dynamic model of four-column angular contact ball bearings was established. Taking a certain type of four-column angular contact ball bearing as an example, the vibration characteristics of the bearing were investigated under different structural parameters and working conditions. The results showed that designing different inner and outer raceway groove curvature radius coefficients and different initial contact angles of different columns, respectively leads to lower vibration based on a specific working condition; a certain axial preload can reduce bearing vibration effectively; there are a reasonable axial load, an overturning moment and a rotating speed range to make the bearing vibration smaller. © 2017, Editorial Office of Journal of Vibration and Shock. All right reserved.