IRS output stub axle bearings 1

[jaguarjoe]

Hi-

I have two Jaguars both with IRS. They both have similar, but not identical differentials, output stub axles, half shafts, and wheel hubs.
Both of these cars use the half shaft as the top portion of the suspension link so that all of the axial force of the suspension gets absorbed in the differential's ouput stub axle bearing. It has to handle the radial as well as the axial load.
The older Jag (an '87) has dual back to back output stub axle bearings. They do not seem to have trouble handling the double duty presented to them. On the other hand, the newer Jag (a '94) has only a single 6207 deep groove ball bearing to handle exactly the same loading both radial and axial. The deep groove bearing wears on one side from the high axial load. Needless to say, these cars lose these bearings frequently.
I see that angular contact bearings can handle higher axial loads and a 7207 bearing of this type has the same dimensions as the 6207 presently used in the car. As far as I know al of the afterkarket repair kits supply 6207's also.
Now for the dumb question- why not use 7207 angular contact bearings here instead of the 6207's?

 

[GregLocock]

How much load in the wrong direction can an angular contact bearing take?

How big is the reverse load compared with the max compressive load?

I think if you answer those two questions you'll get the answer.



Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[jaguarjoe]

This pretty much sums up why I can't do this:

http://www.emersonbearing.com/fail_reverseload.htm

These bearings don't handle reverse load very well and a catastrophic failure would be pretty spectacular.

 

[GregLocock]

yes

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[magnograil]

My Lotus Europa also uses the transmission stub axles as the upper half of the suspension. The differential runs in taper bearings so the side pull load is transfered across the differential to the opposite taper bearing. The weak point is that the half shafts are fixed to the stub axle by a cross split pin with a solid pin down the center. The solid pin occasionally breaks in half.
You might check into the hot rod suppliers for an updated differential. They are commonly used there.