Needle thrust bearing HEVs

NSK Ltd. announced that it has developed a more compact, lightweight, longer-lasting lipped thrust needle roller bearing for use in automatic transmissions. Low viscosity transmission oil is commonly used today to improve transmission efficiency, but this creates lubrication challenges. NSK’s new product is designed for outstanding performance in severe lubrication conditions and also helps to improve fuel economy. Development background In recent years, automakers looking to improve fuel economy, reduce gear shift shock and raise power transmission efficiency have increasingly turned to multi-stage automatic transmissions. Low viscosity transmission oil is often employed in these transmissions to reduce agitation resistance, which has a negative impact on transmission efficiency. This type of oil presents lubrication challenges for the thrust needle bearings typically used in transmissions. Meanwhile, demand is rising for more compact, lightweight transmission bearings that can help improve fuel economy in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs). But when HEVs run on the electric motor alone, the oil pump sometimes stops, which in turn means that the thrust needle bearings in the transmission have to function on lean lubrication. NSK’s new lipped thrust needle roller bearing will help improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions by meeting the need for more compact and lightweight bearings that are more than ready for demanding automotive applications. Product features are summarised below. Product features Thickness greater than 2.5 mm, made possible by using a steel material with improved press workability