SKF's low friction X-Tracker hub bearing improves performance and cuts energy consumption
24/01/2011 SKF (UK) Ltd
SKF, the world's leading knowledge engineering company, has introduced a revolutionary asymmetrical hub bearing unit. This resolves the long standing issue of calliper piston knock-back on high performance cars, which can occur when cornering at high speeds or when driving on rough ground.Called the X-Tracker, this award winning solution is believed to deliver the highest contribution to total vehicle power loss reduction, cutting wheel bearing friction by 25% compared with market benchmark ball bearing hub units. Equally, this reduces CO2 emissions by 1.3g/km for medium cars, according to the SKF Vehicle Environmental Performance Simulator based on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).
Based on a standard X-Tracker, the new hub bearing unit consists of a double row bearing arrangement in which the outboard row is at a higher diameter and contains more rolling elements than the inboard row. This unique asymmetrical design increases the load carrying capacity and operational life of each bearing, while significantly improving stiffness compared with traditional symmetrical hub units.
The low friction version has the same compact design as conventional units, with the dimensions and weight remaining unchanged compared with standard products. The new device is suitable both for new car designs as well as being suitable for retrofitting.
By combining the superior life and performance of the standard X-Tracker with newly optimised raceway geometry and friction optimised seals, this latest unit provides an excellent stiffness and life to friction ratio.
All versions of the X-Tracker wheel hub units contribute to improved driver performance, cornering and car stability across all types of vehicle, from family units to luxury performance cars. Design variants are available to cover the complete light vehicle range.
Director of Engineering, Business Unit Cars at SKF's Automotive Division, Cengiz R Shevket, commented, "The new low friction X-Tracker's performance features fit perfectly to the current market need to reduce power loss and increase power density, while also making significant contributions to energy and CO2 savings."
For further information, please contact:
Phil Burge, Communication Manager, SKF (U.K.) Limited
T: +44 (0)1582 496433 M: +44 (0)7770 647591 phil.burge@skf.com Web: www.skf.com
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