For the maintenance and upkeep of the first generation automotive wheel hub bearings, it is necessary to understand their specific structural characteristics and common failure modes in order to take corresponding maintenance measures. Here are some specific suggestions:
1、 Understand the characteristics of the first generation wheel hub bearings
The first generation wheel hub bearings usually adopt a double row angular contact bearing structure, and their common failure modes are mainly manifested as point like peeling of the outer ring groove, poor cleanliness of the groove, poor clearance design, poor material quality, and water ingress failure. These failure modes may lead to a decrease in bearing performance and even cause safety accidents.
2、 Regular inspection and maintenance
Check the appearance of the bearings
Regularly inspect the appearance of bearings, including any signs of cracks, wear, or corrosion. These signs may indicate that the bearings have been damaged or are about to fail.
Check the bearing clearance
Bearing clearance is one of the important factors affecting its performance. Excessive or insufficient clearance can lead to abnormal wear or failure of bearings. Therefore, the bearing clearance should be checked regularly and adjusted as needed.
Lubrication management
The selection and amount of lubricating grease are crucial for the first generation wheel hub bearings. Lubricating grease suitable for the bearing material and working environment should be used, and added according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Regularly check the condition of the lubricating grease, such as color, viscosity, and whether there are foreign objects mixed in. If deterioration or insufficiency is found, replace or supplement it in a timely manner.
3、 Avoid overload and overheating
Reasonably control the load
During use, excessive loads should be avoided on the bearings to prevent damage due to overload.
Control working temperature
The working temperature of the bearing should be within the designed limit temperature range. If the temperature is too high, it may cause problems such as bearing material softening and lubricant failure, thereby affecting the service life of the bearing. Therefore, measures should be taken to control the working temperature of the bearings, such as using heat dissipation devices, adjusting working conditions, etc.
4、 Cleaning and Protection
Maintain cleanliness
During installation, use, and maintenance, it is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of the bearings and their surrounding environment. Use a soft cloth or air pressure to remove dust and impurities from the surface of the bearing, avoiding dust, metal debris, and other impurities from entering the interior of the bearing.
Waterproof and moisture-proof
Exposure of bearings to humid environments may lead to moisture infiltration, causing bearing corrosion. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent water from entering the bearings, such as using waterproof seals and keeping the working environment dry.
5、 Professional maintenance and replacement
Professional maintenance
If the bearing malfunctions or needs repair, seek the help of professional maintenance personnel. They have relevant professional knowledge and experience, able to accurately diagnose problems and take effective maintenance measures.
Timely replacement
If the bearings are severely worn or damaged, they should be replaced with new bearings in a timely manner. Avoid using bearings that have already failed to prevent greater safety issues.
In summary, the maintenance and upkeep of the first generation automotive wheel hub bearings require comprehensive consideration of multiple aspects, including understanding their structural characteristics, regular inspection and maintenance, avoiding overload and overheating, cleaning and protection, as well as professional repair and replacement. By doing these tasks well, the normal operation and extended service life of the bearings can be ensured.