Schaeffler launches new CV wheel bearing repair kit

By Categories: Commercial NewsPublished On: Wednesday 14 September 2016

FAG SmartSET (0009D146)Vehicle components supplier Schaeffler has announced the launch of its new FAG SmartSet product – a ready-to-install wheel bearing repair solution for trucks, buses and trailers.

The FAG SmartSet is pre-lubricated, and pre-assembled with pre-positioned tapered roller bearings, which Schaeffler says will help operators reduce total cost of ownership. Fitting and mounting the wheel bearing unit is also said to be simpler and more reliable than ever before.

“With rising competition and price pressure, the total cost of ownership is increasingly a major focus of fleet operators and transport companies,” said Dr Robert Felger, senior vice president, product and marketing, at Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket.

“When a repair is needed, it isn`t the cheapest spare part that is decisive in lowering operating costs, but the spare part that promises the longest reliability as seen over the life span of the truck.

“Whether it`s the FAG SmartSet or our patented FAG Repair Insert Unit (RIU), these kinds of holistic repair solutions – in the form of pre-assembled and high-quality wheel bearing units – are key factors in meeting the current needs of truck and bus repair specialists.”

The FAG SmartSet was developed especially for the independent aftermarket and is said to be ideal for all types of truck, bus and trailer axles that use standard tapered roller bearings.

Core elements of the new repair solution are two pre-assembled wheel bearing units – each consisting of tapered roller bearings in an innovative cage design with retaining elements, and specially-coated inner and outer rings. This special coating significantly protects the bearings from corrosion, slip wear and crack formation, says Schaeffler.

A support sleeve pre-positions the tapered roller bearings so that rotating the wheel to adjust the bearings is no longer necessary. The pre-lubrication ensures that workshop operatives always have the correct amount and specified type of grease, says the firm – while a permanent dust cover prevents dirt ingress from contaminating the grease.

“As a complete set that includes a pressing tool, this new solution means a fast, clean, and efficient repair process that minimises the sources for mistakes and creates cost benefits,” said Schaeffler.

“An additional benefit from this new repair solution is when repairing brakes,” the company continued.

“While standard tapered roller bearings fall apart when the wheel hub is removed, the FAG SmartSet stays intact as a unit within the hub. Typical time-consuming tasks, like cleaning and then lubricating the hub or replacing the shaft sealing ring, are no longer required.

“Compared to the repair of standard tapered roller bearings, this solution allows garage professionals to save up to two hours per axle depending on the vehicle model.”

Initial versions of the FAG SmartSet cover numerous models of major truck, bus and axle manufacturers. An installation video and a technical brochure are available; and more information can be obtained at the Repxpert garage portal.