Computerized Bearing System Analysis Tuned for Front Wheel Drive Vehicles

In a front wheel drive vehicle, the space available for driveline and suspension components has placed unique demands on the wheel bearing design. To assist with the selection of an optimum bearing package, a computer program has been developed based on a total bearing systems analysis. For the calculation of the bearing system fatigue life, the program considers duty cycle, vehicle load and speed, bearing setting, lubrication, and the misalignment caused by the imposed loads. A theoretical bearing package evaluation made early in the wheel design will assure satisfactory performance under actual service conditions.