With weight saving and safety being at the forefront of design, vehicle manufacturers (VMs) are constantly looking at new ways to re-engineer the system to optimise its performance and efficiency.
Reflecting these developments, First Line Ltd has the necessary experience to ensure its aftermarket range encompasses the latest in wheel bearing design.
Over the past decade, these have changed significantly with the original single-row ball/taper roller bearings undergoing three generations of evolution to cater for the advance in automotive technology.
The first wheel bearings, generation zero, were single row ball and single row taper bearings.
Although not commonly used now, the former is typically used in solid axle applications, including the early Ford Transits and MG Midget, whereas the single row taper bearing is used in non-driven axle applications, such as Volkswagen Polo.
Development
This was succeeded by the dual row angular contact ball/dual row taper roller bearing, generation one, developed to be adaptable for both driven and non-driven axle vehicles, such as the Ford Ka and Volkswagen Golf.
Following the development of these bearings came a single flange hub, generation two, consisting of either a wheel/drive flange or mounting flange integrated with a dual row ball/taper bearing, commonly found in the Audi A4 or Honda Civic.
Generation three bearings are known as double flange hubs and have either a double row ball or taper roller bearing, usually with an anti-lock brake system (ABS) sensor or with an integrated magnetic seal that permits accurate and reliable measurement of wheel speed rotation for operation of ABS, ESP and Electronic Traction Control.
Some variants feature a thicker flange and a larger outer race that allows the fitment of more rolling elements, to improve stiffness.
This latest generation three hub, fitted in vehicles such as the Vauxhall Insignia, reduces brake caliper ‘knock-back’ to improve braking performance.
Complete kit solutions
To ensure that replacements are fitted correctly, First Line provides complete kit solutions, rather than single bearings.
These wheel bearing kits include all the necessary components, which may not always be included in the original equipment (OE) or competitor equivalent.
The bearings come pre-lubricated and, where applicable, also include an additional grease sachet.
First Line’s commitment to providing comprehensive and easy to follow solutions are reflected in its extensive catalogue, which includes technical data, cross references and images of kit contents, for easy identification and installation.
In addition, each one is supported by a two year/24,000-mile warranty.
For more information about First Line Ltd, call 01869 248484 or click “more details” below.