A Critical Look at Tapered Roller Bearing Wear in Hypoid Axles

If bearing wear is not controlled, complete axle deterioration may result from loss of preload which affects the rigidity of the gear mounting. The effect of excessive gear wear debris on hypoid axle tapered roller bearing wear and influence of various lubricants on the wear rate have been evaluated in both car and laboratory dynamometer tests. Modifying the gear geometry to eliminate high pressure areas of gear contact and selection of the optimum gear oil, as a result of these tests, have been successful in reducing bearing wear.