An important structural element called the "outboard bearing" is located on the driveshaft in the car. It is necessary to maintain the correct position of the driveshaft and axis, as well as to perceive and transmit the load, both axial and radial. Such a product provides rolling, rotation and linear movement along the axis, produced with the least resistance.
The outboard bearing is structurally composed of a metal housing with a hole in it into which a sleeve is inserted. The gap formed between them is filled with lubricant, which allows easy movement of the main parts relative to each other. This significantly reduces the friction of the elements against each other, reduces the amount of thermal conductivity, protects against negative environmental influences, and also helps to increase the reliability and efficiency of the mechanism.
The main operational features and design advantages that the outboard bearing has:
- vibration resistance;
- noiselessness;
- the ability to work with significant radial and angular loads;
- effective protection against aggressive environments;
- ease of repair.
The first signs of a malfunction are considered to be a strong blow to the body, which can be felt through the seat, after a while after that, a hum and vibration may appear. The most common problem is the aging and wear of the gum. In this case, you should immediately contact a service center, since replacing the outboard bearing is possible only when removing the entire driveshaft.
The following are some guidelines for selecting and purchasing this spare part.
1. If possible, purchase bearings in specialized car dealerships that guarantee the availability of high-quality and new equipment. Since when you buy a used item, you can’t even assume its useful life, which means you can’t say when it will fail if it is installed on your car.
2. Only select genuine parts that match your machine. If the required model is discontinued, then you should contact the manufacturer. In such cases, she gives some recommendations and gives an example of a substitute that is as close as possible to the original design.
3. Check for sufficient lubricant. The outboard bearing might already be filled with lubricant at the factory, or it might come out “dry.” In the first case, an immediate installation is possible; in the second, it is necessary to carry out some additional steps to fill the bearing with grease. These activities are not complex and are often described on the product label or packaging.
4. When buying, identify the lack of play. It is believed that the play on the new bearing is a manufacturing defect, and low-quality products are eliminated at the factory. However, no one is immune from error. Therefore, immediately at the seller, check the integrity and serviceability of the purchased design.
The outboard bearing is an integral component of the driveshaft, therefore, the service life of this part of the structure directly depends on the nature of the operation of the vehicle as a whole.