BearingTechnical

Not All Bearings Are The Same

As you will find, there are multiple manufacturers of bearings within the industry. What you will learn is there is a huge difference between good and bad. Tolerances, design and material selection are critical in producing a bearing that is free rolling and durable. Before we were in the bearing business, we went through many tough times in finding something that was good. This is why we are in the bearing business! We wanted the good stuff so we decided to make it. And now you can have the same quality bearings that we supply to every racing industry.

Facts You Should Know About Ceramic Bearings

Silicone Nitrate Balls versus Steel

-Steel balls will not withstand heat as ceramic balls will.

-Ceramic balls are less dense then steel-average result 58% reduction in weight

-Ceramic balls are harder than steel balls

-Ceramic balls expand far less than steel balls-less bind and higher durability

Ceramic Bearing Types

Full Complement Ceramic Bearings-There are several type of ceramic bearings currently available to the public. Full Complement are bearings where the retainer and the balls are replaced with just balls. This means that the bearing has no retainer at all and the balls are held in by each bearing race. This bearing provides a substantial improvement over steel bearings but has severe limitations.

Retainer Ceramic Bearings-These bearings contain a retainer which holds the balls in place. This bearing type produces the same speed as a full complement bearing but has higher side load characteristics and appears to be more durable under severe loads and temperatures. Retainers are manufactured from a high density plastic material that is corrosion resistant and extremely durable. We build our ceramic bearings utilizing the retainer technology.

Ceramic Ball Types

There are many silicone nitrate grades available when building bearings. The less expensive the bearings are, the cheaper grade ball that is used. We use Grade 5 balls in building our bearings. The higher grade balls allows us to produce the following:

-Higher tolerances for improved life expectancy

-Higher temperature stability

-Improved bearing speed

The lower quality bearings also do not feature the custom retainers and custom fitment like ours. This is the reason they are fast. Non-production assembly and tight tolerances that make for fast bearings. You REALLY get what you pay for on bearings.

A tremendous amount of effort goes into making a quality bearing that fits your needs. Whether it is speed, durability or improved machine down time, properly designed and manufactured bearings are critical. If it is cheap, it most likely is not real good!

Every bearing is made to order for the application. We do not stock import bearings already made up. Our 7 years of experience in ceramics for racing has lead us to spec out all materials used in our bearings. There are many compounds for balls available, we only use the best and most reliable. We also manufacture our own cages. Specific tolerances are required to produce racing bearings as each application is different.

-Ceramic bearing attributes:

-60% less rotating mass

-40% minimum reduction of friction

-3 to 5 times longer life

-Less heat generation

-Tighter tolerances and less deflection

-Less lubrication needed, 15% grease pack. Steel needs 40%