Improvements in Bearing Steel Cleanliness and the Effect on Integral Wheel Bearing Systems

In response to increased demands for bearing quality and performance, new approaches to measure bearing steel internal quality have been developed and used to facilitate improved steel cleanliness in cooperation with numerous steelmakers. Ongoing laboratory testing of thousands of bearings over several years has shown continuous life improvement which has further been confirmed by analysis of field service experience.

The purpose of this paper is to outline improvements in bearing steel cleanliness measurement and results over the past five years and to show the impact of this improved internal quality on integral wheel system life.