Axial splines save 10% wheel bearing weight

摘要

An entirely new concept in wheel bearing design has achieved a 10% reduction in weight and significantly simplified the mounting procedure, writes Roger Bishop. Instead of radial splines, the bearing is preloaded by means of axial splines in the axle journal. In addition, the use of an orbitally formed shoulder as a carrier for clearance-free axial gear teeth, enable the new wheel bearing module to be produced very economically, according to the developer, Germany's FAG (within the Schaeffler group).