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Why are tapered bearings used in the automotive industry?
2018-04-25
The increased load capacity and high degree of reliability. These bearings are often used in trucks and buses.
The axial play (i.e., the misalignment along the shaft/shaft axis) of tapered bearings can be adjusted.
DISADVANTAGES OF TAPERED BEARINGS
- the need for adjustment. Such a need may arise, for example, when repairing transmission parts, in particular drive shafts. Correct adjustment is an important factor that directly affects the service life of the bearings. On the other hand, the adjustability is an advantage of these bearings.
- High requirements for tightness. These bearings are "afraid" of leaks, as its violation can get into the hub dirt and moisture, which will reduce their service life, up to destruction. Non-hermetic, mostly appears when improper installation or reuse of the protective metal cap. As well as, in some cases, when the working edge of the internal radial seal - inner packing is worn.
- High requirements for the quality of lubrication. Roller bearings must not be lubricated with anything. Grease must be properly selected and must be of high quality. Also, the grease filling volume must be observed. Lack of grease will inevitably shorten the life of the part. And over-lubrication can lead to leakage due to grease extrusion.
ADVANTAGES OF TAPERED BEARINGS
+ High service life. Practice shows that with proper maintenance and operation of the vehicle, these bearings can last more than 300,000 km. The key to long life of these bearings is precisely adjusted clearance and the use of high quality lubricants.
+ Not difficult to replace. Replacing tapered wheel bearings is not a time consuming job. Typically, these parts are reinstalled as a set. Replacing the bearings does not require, for example, the removal of the steering knuckle. Consequently, no effort is needed to press the ball joints out of it.
+ Relatively low number of special tools required for repair. Unfortunately, you can't do without special tools. In general, replacing the ball hub bearing is done using a hydraulic press, which is not necessary for repair of hubs with roller bearings.
+ Adjustability. As the bearings wear in the hub, there may be a gap between the rolling element and the outer cage. This can be eliminated by tightening the adjusting nut.
