Tandem Pinion Bearings

The new tandem ball bearings were designed to replace tapered roller bearings while offering improved fuel economy and greater efficiencies in passenger cars and light trucks.  Versus tapered roller bearings, the tandem ball bearings have a much smaller contact area, resulting in lower frictional torque and greater efficiency while operating in the same preload conditions of 4000-6000 N.  Key to the application was the 30% GR PA 4/6 resin used to mold the bearing cage.  The shape of each open- and window-type cage has undergone significant development and testing to ensure proper ball loading force, retention, and in-service durability.  Additionally, the material has to provide sufficient ductility to allow the bearings to be loaded initially and sufficient strength to hold them in afterward, as well as dimensional stability, ability to operate at 150C/302F, and resistance to Hypoid gear oil.  The results are a 1.5% fuel efficiency improvement, lower frictional torque and power loss, plus lower CO2 emissions.

OEM/Vehicle Ford Motor Co. 2013MY Ford Escape System Supplier Schaeffler Group Material Processor Schaeffler Group

Material Supplier DSM Engineering Plastics Resin Stanyl TW200F6 (30% GF Reinforced) PA 4/6 Tooling/Equipment Supplier Schaeffler Group

For More Information See: http://www.plastics-car.com/Todays-Automobiles/Automotive-Chassis-Design-NVH-Performance/Structure.html