Como os rolamentos certos podem impulsionar o desempenho do setor automotivo

Um único carro tem cerca de 30.000 componentes, desde as principais estruturas da carroceria até parafusos e porcas individuais. Cada peça tem um papel fundamental para manter o carro funcionando, e isso também vale para os rolamentos. Num veículo com motor convencional, haverá em média cerca de 100 a 150 rolamentos, muitos dos quais são fundamentais para reduzir o atrito e o gasto de energia e garantir uma operação segura. Neste artigo, Chris Johnson, diretor administrativo do fornecedor especializado em rolamentos SMB Bearings, explica a importância dos rolamentos automotivos.

Ao considerar as peças importantes de um carro, os rolamentos são muitas vezes esquecidos, mas os rolamentos incorretos ou defeituosos podem causar ruído e atrito e até aumentar as emissões e afetar a experiência do cliente. Os rolamentos estão presentes em muitos componentes do veículo e o tipo e tamanho dependerão da necessidade. As peças automóveis e as suas funções são tão variadas que os seus requisitos de rolamento também diferem significativamente. Vários tipos de rolamentos são usados ​​dependendo de muitos fatores, como a carga radial, a carga axial e a condição operacional.

Bearings are found throughout all vehicle types. From the air conditioning systems and water pumps to seat and mirror adjustment mechanisms, many of a car’s important functions would be far less effective or even impossible without the use of bearings. Cars powered by internal combustion engines have significant amounts of moving parts making bearings are integral in the smooth running of components such as alternators, power steering and gearboxes. Demand for electric motor bearings is also growing as electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, with lighter, smaller bearings important in improving EV drive train efficiency.

Selecting the appropriate bearing for automotive applications is important to optimise vehicle performance, to ensure safety, and to reduce emissions. Above all, buyers should consider quality and reliability. Choosing the correct bearing size and material can make all the difference to driver experience by ensuring fluid motion and reducing noise.

Bearings used in automotive applications must withstand harsh conditions and long periods of stress under heavy loads, so material choice is of the utmost importance. Throttle valve bearings, for example, are key in regulating air flow, and are exposed to high vibration levels and extreme temperatures. For these applications, ball bearings and plain bearings have been traditionally used but sealed needle roller bearings are becoming increasingly popular due to the greater tolerance to vibration.

Longevity is also a consideration — bearings are often fitted for the life of the component, but faulty or worn bearings can produce noise or reduce efficiency and may need replacing at fixed intervals. Maintenance can be kept to a minimum by choosing a bearing guaranteed to last for the recommended service life. Buyers can look out for ISO/TS16949 compliant bearings to ensure that the products meet the internationally recognised quality management standard for the automotive industry.

Effective bearing performance doesn’t just stop at the bearing itself — lubricant choice is also a factor and can alter effectiveness. Wide temperature greases are suitable for general automotive use due to the range of temperatures that automotive bearings are exposed to. Dampening greases reduce noise and vibration in slow moving steering column bearings, though they are also widely used in other applications to minimise rattles and squeaks or give a quality feel. This type of grease can be found in seat guides, sunroofs, central consoles, dials, slides, switches, cup-holders, power mirrors and locking systems.

Cada uma das milhares de peças do carro é essencial para o desempenho e os rolamentos não devem ser esquecidos. Os rolamentos automotivos são essenciais para o funcionamento seguro e confiável do veículo e para melhorar a eficiência de motores convencionais e elétricos. Ao escolher os rolamentos, os compradores devem fazer escolhas tendo em mente a qualidade para garantir o desempenho ideal.