Tapered roller bearings for axles.

[wern]

I had been wondering if it would be possible to fit tapered roller bearings back to back on the inboard argo axles.This would eliminate the considerable side loading on the ball bearings when turning which could account for the relatively short life we seem to get from them.Any thoughts?

[thebuggyman1]

Tapered bearings have a LOT higher load capacity.......but must have side tension put on them to hold them into the race. How would you accomplish that? I thought of doing the same thing, but didn't like any of the ways I came up with for threads. The way with the most promise was a 1 1/2" sleeve over that portion of the axle with threads on the sleeve.
Several people are testing out UHMW PE "plastic" bearings. My money is on them to be the next evolution...... I don't have any details on the design, but I would design them with a polished stainless sleeve siliconed to the axle, good axle seals, and grease zerks. If you keep the crud out, I bet they would last the life of the machine.

[spookum]

I actualy contemplated it. I think the tapered roller bearing needs to go on the outboard axel. To assure that it gets the side load and not side load the inner bearing, i think a sleave over the axel shaft would be in order. Timikin has four hole flanges with roller bearings, and they are greaseable. The point that turned me off was the 120 dollor or so price tag. How ever, if i break a bearing at all, you know what ill be doing. I dont think that will be a problem since im runnig 3 bearing per axel.

Flange Units - Timken Type E Tapered Roller Bearing Housed Units

That link has PDF files on the right for your reading pleaure!

[wfo]

dont waste your money on timken type e..housing will crack, their cast steel and are brittle..
been their done that. the problem is the bearing is stationary in the housing and will not flex and
adjust to the frame flex and therfore will over time crack..

[wern]

Thanks for your thoughts.I have just seen on another thread that the spec for the Titan includes tapered roller bearings on the axles.Any one know how?The chances of seeing one here in New Zealand would be very low.

[spookum]

dont waste your money on timken type e..housing will crack, their cast steel and are brittle..
been their done that. the problem is the bearing is stationary in the housing and will not flex and
adjust to the frame flex and therfore will over time crack..

So how did you end up running roller bearings.... or did you skip it. I would also like to see the tapered bearings in a titan. Somenoe will get one eventualy and then we will get a look

[rapidroy]

Has anyone seen the axle assemblies for the centaur? If I remember correctly they are a sealed cartridge assembly that bolts to the frame, and they use tapered bearings... I think.