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Canadawheel end bearings
Sealing performance testing
DID YOU KNOW: ADVICE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL
OVERVIEW
A wheel end bearing, like any other components in close proximity to the road, is susceptible to the intrusion of pollutants, especially:
- Water: this dilutes the effectiveness of grease and in turn, the lubrication of the wheel end bearing is no longer optimal and bearing wear is accelerated.
- Dust: any access of dust or sand will result in premature wear.
- Salt: winter road salt will significantly increase and accelerate corrosion.
Sealing performance is critical to the durability and performance of a wheel end bearing.
In partnership with IAMT Engineering*, MOOG has simulated extreme wet and dusty driving condistions. The wheel end bearings were subjected to a harsh replication sequence test, explained below. This sequence was repeated 24 times.
- Vehicle cornering for 2 hours on a circular track (radius +/-70m), at a constant speed of 60 km/h, with the bearing continuously sprayed with soiled water, a mixture of sand and salt.
- Vehicle stopped for 2 hours, to allow the soiled water to affect the bearing.
Specification of durability / sealing test performance conducted on the front left bearing of Audi A3 (MOOG Ref VO-WB-11019):
Phase 1: 7.260 N (radial) / 2.900 N (axial) - 30S, then 3.920 N (radial) / - 1.570 N (axial) - 30S, both with soiled water sprayed
- Rotation speed = 500 rpm (+/- 60km/h)
- Soiled water composition: water (85%), sand (10%), salt (5%)
Phase 2: vehicle stopped, no spray
- All other fitted parts (e.g. wheel knuckle, brake pads, disc and accessories) were OEM references. All parts were tightened to manufacturer recommended torque values with forces applied at point of contact between the tyre and the road, taking into account wheel radius (Rdyn) and rim offset (Et), as per illustration.
- Monitored parameters were bearing temperature, amplitude/frequency of bearing vibrations, bearing clearance and bearing acceleration (torque maintained at 500rpm). Any deviation from preset parameterts automatically ended the test.
Sealing performance: water intrusion in percentage points
The content contained in this article is for entertainment and informational purposes only and should not be used in lieu of seeking professional advice from a certified technician or mechanic. We encourage you to consult with a certified technician or mechanic if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered herein. Under no circumstances will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on any content.
*Data provided in conjuction with IAMT Engineering, a globally recognised chassis systems testing and development organisation.
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