Daimler cuts four-cylinder friction

摘要

Daimler's latest 2-litre turbocharged gasoline engine features ultra-low friction balancer shafts. The use of rolling element bearings for such an application is a first for a spark-ignition unit, the firm claims. Balancer shafts reduce NVH levels but are a parasitic loss, Using roller bearings instead of sliding bearings increases cost but improves efficiency. This feature is becoming common in four-cylinder diesels - downsized gasoline engines are likely to follow suit. Daimler's calibration manager for inline gasoline engines, Guido Vent, said: "This is the first time Lanchester balancer shafts with low-friction bearings have been used in a gasoline engine, They cut friction by almost 50% compared to the old type."