Most Common Types of Bearings Used in Automobiles

January 27, 2021

Automobiles are comprised of parts and components that are intelligently designed to handle all tasks necessary for their core functions. Engines, wheels, and other essential parts all utilise different hardware elements for them to work properly. One common element that automobiles maximise is bearings.

There are numerous types of bearings that can be attached and used in automobiles.

Ball Bearings

One of the most common bearings used in automobiles is ball bearings. These bearings can handle both radial and axial loads, allowing them to permit speed changes. They can likewise minimise friction between two surfaces. Given that these bearings maximise rotating balls, they can assure that the contact between surfaces will be reduced. One note to consider, though, is that ball bearings can be susceptible to deformation once they are under heavy load. Ball bearings are mostly found on suspension systems, wheels, crankshafts, axle shafts, driveshafts, engines, and radiators.

Plain Bearings

Even without any rolling elements, plain bearings can still be maximised in assembling automobiles as they can handle heavy loads. These bearings also have larger carrying capacities as well as longer service life compared to other types of bearings. Another reason why the automotive industry maximises plain bearings is that they are widely available and are fairly affordable. Plain bearings are normally located inside the engine as they can easily support and guide moving engine components.

Roller Thrust Bearings

What is great about roller thrust bearings is that they can easily support large thrust loads. Hence, they are often located in gear sets for car transmissions. They are also installed between the housing and the rotating shaft. And since helical gears have angled teeth, they would easily utilise roller thrust bearings in supporting their thrust load. Compared to other types of thrust bearings, roller thrust bearings can easily handle and manage heavier loads on the automobiles.

Ball Thrust Bearings

Another type of bearings that are utilised in automobiles is ball thrust bearings. Ball thrust bearings are rotary ball bearings that can only be used for low-speed and low weight applications. While they cannot sustain a huge amount of radial load, they are still utilised in automobiles as they can still manage to work with high axial load. When using ball thrust bearings under higher speed applications, these bearings need to be lubricated ahead of time for them to effectively function.

Tapered Roller Bearings

Tapered roller bearings are often used in heavy-duty applications that require sustainable durability. Therefore, they are often used in automotive wheel bearings for effective handling of large radial and axial forces. They are likewise normally mounted in car hubs in pairs so that they can work regulate the axial loads in both directions. When it comes handling loads, tapered roller bearings are known to be the most versatile compared to other types of bearings.

If you need to know more about these bearings, feel free to give us a call at Global Bearing Imports.

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