Selection and maintenance suggestions for third-generation automotive wheel hub bearings
1. Selection suggestions: Accurately match requirements, balance performance and cost
Load capacity matching
Axial load: Select the axial bearing capacity of the bearing according to the vehicle model. For example, it is recommended to have an axial load of ≥ 800kg for family cars and ≥ 1200kg for SUVs or off-road vehicles. Radial load: The required radial load is calculated by multiplying the curb weight of the vehicle by a safety factor of 1.2 to ensure that the bearings can withstand the weight of the vehicle.
Bearing type:
Double row angular contact ball bearings: suitable for economical cars, providing good radial and axial load-bearing capacity.
. Roller bearings or third-generation hub units (HUB III): suitable for high-performance cars or SUVs, enhancing durability and load-bearing capacity. Fourth generation wheel hub unit: Integrated constant velocity universal joint, suitable for electric vehicles and high-end SUVs, optimizing torque transmission efficiency.Dimensions and Accuracy
Inner diameter tolerance: controlled within ± 0.02mm, outer diameter error ≤ 0.05mm, ensuring precise compatibility with vehicle components.
. Width matching: Recommended for sedans is 25-35mm, for SUVs it is 35-45mm, and for pickup trucks/MPVs it is 45-55mm.Accuracy level:
P5 level (runout ≤ 0.013mm) is selected for household cars, and P4 level (runout ≤ 0.008mm) is selected for performance cars.
.Sports version bearings with flange reinforcement design can be considered for modified cars to meet high-intensity driving needs.
.Material and process
Material: Double vacuum smelting GCr15 bearing steel is preferred, with a hardness of HRC60-64 and strong wear resistance.
.Surface treatment: Recommended titanium nitride coating, which can improve wear resistance by 3 times;
; LHT low-temperature type should be selected for ice and snow areas, with a cold resistance of -50 ℃. Sealing design: Adopting double-sided sealing (2RS) or labyrinth sealing structure to prevent dust and moisture from entering and extend the bearing life.Environmental adaptability
High temperature environment: Select bearings pre filled with high-temperature wear-resistant grease to reduce friction and improve service life.
.Wet environment: Choose corrosion-resistant materials (such as stainless steel) or galvanized treatment to prevent rusting.
.ABS compatibility: If the vehicle is equipped with an ABS system, the third-generation wheel hub bearings with integrated magnetic thrust rings should be selected to ensure normal braking function.
.2. Maintenance suggestions: standardize operation and extend service life
Installation specifications
Special tools: Use a special press to press the bearing in, and it is strictly prohibited to use a hammer to strike, to avoid damage to steel balls and channels.
.Compression requirements: Ensure that the outer ring end face is completely compressed with the outer shell shoulder end face, and the inner ring end face is completely compressed with the shaft shoulder end face to avoid additional loads caused by gaps.
.Installation of magnetic thrust ring: For bearings equipped with ABS, it is necessary to stay away from magnetic fields (such as electric motors and power tools) before installation. During installation, point the side with magnetic thrust ring inward, facing the ABS sensitive component.
. Axis alignment: After installation, check whether the axis of the bearing coincides with the axis of the housing hole. Deviation from the design accuracy will accelerate wear.Cleaning and Protection
Storage and Transportation Cleaning: Bearing components need to be kept clean during storage and transportation to avoid dust and sediment from entering.
. If the packaging is damaged or has been waiting for too long, it needs to be cleaned again before installation. Disassembly and cleaning: When disassembling bearings, soak them in kerosene or gasoline for cleaning, and gently brush the gaps with a soft bristled brush to avoid scratching the sealing ring or raceway with sharp tools. After cleaning, use a clean cloth to wipe dry to prevent moisture residue from causing rust.Disassembly prohibited: Disassembling the wheel hub bearing unit or adjusting the sealing ring is strictly prohibited, otherwise water and dust may enter, causing damage to the sealing ring and inner race raceway, resulting in permanent bearing failure.
. Lubrication ManagementLubricating grease selection: Select lubricating grease with excellent high temperature resistance, wear resistance, and waterproof performance, evenly covering the rolling elements, cage, and inner and outer rings.
.Filling amount control: The filling amount should be moderate, too much will cause high operating temperature, and too little will not provide sufficient protection.
. The general experience is that the total amount of grease accounts for 50% of the bearing clearance.Replacement cycle: Non sealed bearings (such as double row tapered roller bearings) need to have their lubricating grease replaced every 20000 to 30000 kilometers of driving.
; If there is no leakage in the sealed bearing, there is no need to add oil throughout its entire lifespan. Professional inspection and replacementRegular inspection: Check the bearings every six months or every 10000 kilometers, with a focus on observing whether there is peeling or pitting on the inner and outer raceway surfaces of the bearings.
;
Whether the rolling elements and the cage are worn;
;Whether there are cracks or fatigue peeling in the bearing and bearing seat ring;
;Is the clearance between the inner diameter of the bearing and the shaft neck ≤ 0.10mm (measured vertically above and below the ground). Paired replacement: Due to similar working conditions, even if only one of the front wheel hub bearings is damaged, it is recommended to replace them in pairs to avoid secondary faults caused by uneven force on both sides. Brake system linkage inspection: When replacing the brake system, it is necessary to simultaneously check the bearings and replace the oil seals to prevent oil leakage and contamination of the bearings.
Operation monitoring
Abnormal noise detection: If you hear a buzzing or creaking sound from the wheels during driving, it may be a signal of bearing wear and should be checked immediately.
.Temperature detection: The wheel hub feels abnormally hot when touched by hand, which may be due to insufficient lubrication or damaged bearings, and further investigation is needed.
.Vibration detection: Obvious vibration during high-speed driving may be a sign of bearing imbalance or damage.
.