|
Technology
Fighting Friction
MicroBlue on Superfinished Surfaces
Frequently Asked Questions
Bearing Technology
Drivetrain Performance
Engine Technology
Step by Step: How We Do It
|
WHAT MAKES THEM BETTER?
Our prescription for exceptional bearings, whether they be steel, ceramic, needle or tapers starts with our version of "smooth and slippery", which is the combination of surfaces that are then coated with MicroBlue® - the coating that changes the way lubricants work.
In nearly ten years in this business, we've never been told of any bearing, ever wearing out, or failing for that matter. The reason for this is simple - bearing parts don't touch (you have to touch to wear, right?). Superfinishing simply turns a rock into a skipping stone, and MicroBlue vastly improves the efficiency of all lubricants. The result is simply the finest, coolest running and most efficient bearings ever made. Period.
WHAT DO CERAMIC BALLS BRING TO THE TABLE?
A few things. First, they're lighter, by about 40%. This is great for things like crankshafts where improvements in spin-up are important. Second, they're harder and smoother. This reduces wear in the event of contact, but more importantly, they are much more resistant to ball skidding, the primary cause of bearing failure. And contrary to some myths, they are much more durable than steel balls. Provided they're of the highest quality, like Cerbec balls.
The biggest improvement that most people realize is the fact that the balls are actually rounder. And considerably so. This is why ceramic bearings spin so much smoother and quieter, therefore more efficient than steel balls.
HOW ARE YOUR CERAMICS DIFFERENT FROM THE OTHERS?
First of all, the Friction Fighters are racers like you. And like you, we'll only settle for the best. Because of that, you won't find anything other than Cerbec balls made by Saint Gobain in any ceramic bearing we sell. They're simply the best, period. You'll find no imports, no steel balls coated in some sort of who knows what.
These bearings are the real thing. That's why we're proud to say that in eight years, we've never had a material failure. To us, superior quality is a responsibility we take very seriously. Not only are failures costly, but people can get hurt in the process. That's why we're not the cheapest, and never will be.
WHAT ABOUT TAPERED BEARINGS?
We've been supplying the finest tapers for years. And the secret for their performance lies in our time tested prescription, "smooth and slippery". Every tapered bearings rollers and races are made glass-smooth and those surfaces are coated with MicroBlue. How much better are they? This is what a customer had to say: "Our right rear hub temperature at Homestead are typically 180 deg./F. Running MicroBlue bearings drops this to about 105".
ARE TAPERED BEARINGS AVAILABLE IN CERAMIC?
From a practical standpoint, no. Ceramics are limited to balls. The ball version of tapered bearings are called angular contacts. There are very few "drop-in" replacements available, namely for wide-5 and 5 x 5 hubs, as well as a few rear end applications. It's best to call us for more information.
WHAT TYPES OF BEARINGS DO YOU WORK WITH?
It takes more than ball bearings to make things move. There's tapered roller bearings, needle bearings, plain bearings, not to mention crank and rod bearings to name a few. But they all have one thing in common. They're lubricated, they're under load and they move. Which means they can all be made to work better and last longer.
|
