This paper focuses on the performance enhancement of tapered roller bearings in automotive axle and transmission applications. It also provides an objective comparison, based on test results, with alternative ball bearings arrangements. The influence of different design parameters is quantified in the analytical and experimental investigation. The bearing power loss is calculated and measured for operating conditions that are relevant in a vehicle fuel economy cycle. Additional specific aspects related to the use of tapered roller bearings, such as setting and mounting, are discussed under similar considerations. The paper contains a system analysis of the pinion bearings in a rear axle, and of a CVT transfer shaft interacting with the variator output shaft and with the differential. Shaft and gear mesh deflections are evaluated in the general context of system stiffness for improved durability and NVH behavior. The rear axle pinion bearing arrangement and the CVT transfer shaft examples were selected based on their high emphasis on fue economy, but the conclusions of this paper c an be extended to the tapered roller bearings employed in various types of automotive transmission and driveline applications.
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