Hub bearings support rotation of tires. In 2009, NTN developed the "Low Friction Hub Bearing" that reduces rotational friction while satisfying basic performance requirements such as operating life and strength. Since then, we have been pursuing further low friction characteristic through improvements such as reducing the number of seals lips by installing labyrinth structure on inner seal and reducing each grease viscosity. We have supplied these products as the "Low Friction Hub Bearing" Series. This series has been highly regarded for its low friction characteristic, and contributes to improving fuel and electricity efficiency in many vehicle models.
In order to realize a decarbonized society, the development/popularization of EV has been accelerating. To extend cruising distance, it is necessary for vehicles to achieve further electricity efficiency from various aspects. As a result, hub bearings are also required to further reduce friction. In response to this need, NTN developed "Low Friction Hub Bearing IV" in 2023, an improved product of its predecessor, then newly developed "Low Friction Hub Bearing V" this time.
This product adopts the newly developed low torque grease for outer seal and inner seal. In addition to reducing base oil viscosity of grease, the size of thickener, which retains base oil and makes it semi-solid, is reduced. Reducing the size of thickener reduces the amount of thickener while maintaining retention of base oil, resulting in reducing further grease viscosity. These improvements have reduced resistance caused by grease when seals are rotating and reduced rotational friction when driving as well.
In addition to improvements of the "Low Friction Hub Bearing IV," this product adopts the newly developed low torque grease for the inside of bearing. While the grease viscosity is reduced by reducing the base oil viscosity and thickener size, grease consistency is optimized so that the grease separated by balls when rotating will not flow back into the raceway. By adopting this grease, the product reduces friction by up to 64% compared to the conventional product*1. It improves electricity efficiency by approximately 0.75%*2, enabling 3km extension*3 of cruising distance in a single power supply compared to the conventional product.
NTN will propose this "Low Friction Hub Bearing" Series globally to meet the diverse needs of customers and contribute to the reduction of fuel and electricity efficiency of vehicles and the further extension of cruising distance.
NTN will exhibit this product at "Automotive Engineering Exposition 2024 YOKOHAMA" to be held in Pacifico Yokohama from May 22 to 24.
Conventional product which does not apply specification of "Low Friction Hub Bearing" Series
Calculated based on NTN's calculations. (catalog data for medium-segment EV)
Calculated using EV with cruising distance 400 km in a single power supply
Newly developed technologies
Newly developed technology
Low Friction Hub Bearing IV
Low Friction Hub Bearing V
Low torque grease for inside of bearing
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Low torque grease for seal
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"Low Friction Hub Bearing" Series
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NTN Corporation published this content on
16 May 2024 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by
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16 May 2024 05:55:02 UTC.
NTN Corporation is one of the world's leaders in manufacturing and marketing of bearings, constant velocity joints and precision equipments. Net sales break down by market as follows:
- automotive industry (62.9%);
- automotive repair (19.6%);
- industrial machinery construction (17.5%).
Net sales break down geographically as follows: Japan (29.1%), America (27.6%), Europe (21.7%) and other (21.6%).
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