Effect of Rear Axle Lubricants on the Fatigue Life of Tapered Roller Bearings

The effect of rear axle lubricants on the fatigue life of tapered roller bearings was determined employing a laboratory test fixture. The tests were conducted under a controlled thrust load, inner race speed, and jet oil inlet temperature. The fatigue lives obtained with the rear axle lubricants were compared to the fatigue life obtained with a premium hydraulic oil. The comparison showed that rear axle lubricants can reduce the fatigue life of tapered roller bearings from 17% to 67% of rated.