2013

[Helps to reduce rotational friction in hub bearings when vehicles are driving by 33%, and improve vehicle fuel efficiency by approximately 0.28%]

NTN Corporation (hereafter, NTN) has developed the “Super Low Friction Hub Bearing” with 33% lower rotational friction^*1 that contributes to better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions of automobiles.

Global warming and other environmental issues have become a heated topic in recent years, leading to an increase in fuel efficient vehicles such as clean diesels and hybrid models. Demand for greater reduction in rotational friction in hub bearings that support vehicle axles has also increased as a means of improving fuel efficiency.

NTN developed and marketed^*2 a long-life, high-rigidity low friction hub bearing (hereafter, conventional product) in 2009 that reduced rotational friction by 15% without affecting muddy water resistance. This was achieved by optimizing the internal specifications of the bearing and using an optimally shaped seals.

A thickener added to the packing grease and readjusted base oil viscosity were successful in drastically reducing the stirring resistance of the grease when the bearing is rotating. A special surfacing coating has also been applied to the seals, and minute dimples implemented into the lip^*3 sliding surface to reduce the contact surface of the rotating outer ring, while the application of a low-viscosity grease specially developed for the lip surface has reduced the wear resistance of seal contact areas. These have helped to reduce rotational friction by 33% compared to the conventional product, and improve fuel efficiency by approximately 0.28%.

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