Glass Fiber Reinforced Phenolic in Transmission Thrust Bearing Applications

Thermoset Phenolics are being more readily utilized in automatic transmission applications today. The inherent resistance of the phenolic composite materials to automotive fluids, high heats and pressures, make these applications ideal. The long history of use of phenolics for torque converter reactors testifies to its durability in the automatic transmission environment.

Glass Reinforced Phenolics provide a cost effective, lower weight alternative to conventional needle bearings. Phenolics have proven that the axial loads of many of today's transmissions can be tolerated without undue wear or premature failure.

This paper examines the durability of production thrust washers under extreme conditions in a laboratory setting. The results display the friction characteristics of two materials currently being used for the production of automatic transmission thrust washers. The materials are made on different manufacturing practices and have different levels of chopped strand fiberglass reinforcement. The materials both share the same chemistry, resistance to hydrocarbons, and molding techniques.