Effect of Rear Axle Lubricants on the Fatigue Life of Tapered Roller Bearings 760329

The effect of rear axle lubricants on the fatigue life of tapered roller bearings was determined employing a laboratory test fixture. The tests were conducted under a controlled thrust load, inner race speed, and jet oil inlet temperature. The fatigue lives obtained with the rear axle lubricants were compared to the fatigue life obtained with a premium hydraulic oil. The comparison showed that rear axle lubricants can reduce the fatigue life of tapered roller bearings from 17% to 67% of rated.