Whilst working on a gearbox related issue on one of our 'project' cars' in the Sanstec workshop recently, it dawned on me how something so small as a bearing, could be crucial to the overall smooth operation of the vehicle. It is only when an engine stops working as it should and you take it to pieces, do you discover the fault and question how on earth, a tiny bearing can have such an important job to do.
A bearing, from the verb, to bear, is a machine element that does what is says on the tin, whereby it bears, or supports another mechanical part. Present in all mechanical systems, bearings are responsible for transferring motion and transmitting forces. Given their role in mechanical movements they are therefore one of the most commonly used machine parts. There are a number of types, including roller, sleeve, radial and axial bearings, all with their own critical jobs to perform. It is only when they stop working properly or completely malfunction, do you realise the major role they serve.
In this instance, like so often, the axial roller bearing had started to wear out and needed replacing. Thus completing another technical diagnosis on one of the workshop project cars. If you need help with a mechanical design project and don’t know what to do next, we’re quite good with finding our bearings and working out what needs to be done to get things on the move again.
