a method of returning an electromechanical axial setting device , particularly suited for friction couplings . the axial setting device includes two setting rings centered on a common axis , one of which is axially held , with the other one being axially displaceably mounted , and one of which is rotationally fixedly held in a housing so as to be prevented from rotating , with the other one being rotatingly drivable . on their respective end faces facing one another , the two setting rings each include an identical multitude of circumferentially extending grooves . each of the grooves , in a plan view of the end faces , define a depth which rises in the circumferential direction . pairs of grooves in the setting rings each accommodate a ball . the rotatingly drivable setting ring is connected to an electric motor in respect of drive . the axially displaceable setting ring is loaded by pressure springs towards the axially held setting ring . when applying a positive voltage to the electric motor , the axial setting device moves into an advanced position and when the voltage is disconnected from the electric motor , the axial setting device is returned to a starting position .