Kevin Neaverson, Global Sales Director at First Line, said: “To keep up with the exacting demands of today’s vehicles, wheel bearing hub technology is developing at a rapid pace. “Safety and weight saving are key considerations in product development, and aftermarket suppliers and vehicle manufacturers alike are constantly driving innovation in this key area to optimise performance. Generation 3 is now the most prevalent wheel bearing type found on the front axle, and contains the bearing within the hub assembly, with an integrated ABS sensor.” Extensive He continued: “First Line has developed an extensive range of the latest Generation 3 wheel bearings, and as automotive technology increases, the correct fitment of these parts becomes even more important for the vehicle’s safe operation, while also supporting the running of various ADAS equipment. With this in mind, First Line has 46 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2023 BEARINGS www.aftermarketonline.net issued best-practice fitment tips to further support customers. “Technicians should use a torque wrench, and not an impact wrench on any of the fastenings of a Generation 3 bearing, as this can cause damage to the bearing hub assembly, says First Line. Bearings should also be tightened to the correct tolerance, especially on the axle nut to ensure correct preload, otherwise the part may fail.” Complete Laying out the best practice, as detailed by First Line, Kevin said: “If the bearing has a connected ABS loom, technicians should take note of the routing and ensure that when a new bearing is installed, it is mounted and routed in the same way. “Active sensor bearings (ASB) have been around for many years, but it is often not appreciated just how many driver assistance systems rely on them, including ABS, electronic stability control (ESC), and hill start assist systems. It is therefore not only imperative that the bearing Above: Bearings manufacturing at SKF BEARING IT IN MIND Bearings play a pivotal role, but as with most areas of the car, they are changing as technology progresses
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