September 2019

Above: Gen.2 bearings being B earings are vital components and they have a major impact on the proper running of the vehicle. It is easy to forget, but if you don’t deal with this area properly, someone is going to pay for it. Tim Adams, INA/FAG Product Specialist says: “How long does it take for a wheel bearing to go into production after final approval from a vehicle manufacturer? Due to the extreme lengths Schaeffler goes to test its FAG-branded components, both on and off the vehicle and in partnership with VM engineers, it can take anywhere between two and five years for a new bearing to be perfected, approved and fitted as OE. When measured against counterfeit wheel bearings, where the materials used, design parameters, testing and consistency of this safety-critical component cannot be guaranteed, Schaeffler’s message is a simple and unwavering one; Technicians can always trust like-for-like OE replacement parts.” Tim continues: “Technicians fitting counterfeit or cheap copied bearings are not only jeopardising the reputation of their workshop, but they are also putting the occupants of the vehicle and other road users at risk. That’s not all though. An OE wheel bearing is designed and manufactured to stringent VM tolerances, specifications and quality standards. Not strictly adhering to these design and engineering parameters can add additional stresses to any of the components which make-up the corner assembly of the vehicle – an incredibly dangerous scenario that must be avoided.” Fitting tips On how to approach installation, Tim observes: “While the technician may have the right part in the right quality, it’s also vital they know how to fit it properly. A wheel bearing is a precision part, with tolerance specifications as low as eight microns. By contrast, a human hair is 50 microns. So, cleanliness is paramount. It is, therefore, extremely important to avoid any form of contamination.” Commenting on the various types, Tim says: “Wheel bearing types can be identified by their design generation: Gen.1, Gen.2 or Gen.3. Gen.1 are just simple plain bearings, whereas Gen.2 bearings incorporate a flange which bolts to the hub, and Gen.3 are the very latest bolt-on complete ‘hub units’ with a twin flange. “Some sub-designs need special attention: Gen.2.1 bearings require a specific and precise installation procedure where the bearing must be pressed into the hub using a special tool which applies force to the outer race only. Any force applied to the inner race during this process can cause damage leading to bearing failure. The special tool clamps also correctly align and fix the bearing snap-ring into the hub, which is 40 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2019 BEARINGS www.aftermarketonline.net BEARING DOWN ON YOU Bearings have a vital role to play, so you need to make sure you are choosing the right products, and working with them in the right way