A Positively Lubricated Thrust Bearing
Page 37
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A Usefui Component in nick Oil is: Prevented From Escaping by Thrustring and Outer-shell Design A NY bearing which, by reason oft itsrlduty and location on the ehaaaiie is lubrkated. on the hit-and-miss: prim, cipk, is liable, at some time or other, td suffer as the result of neglect.
The clutch thrust-race bearing is one of this class and, in view of • its important duty, it should always be
kept adequately lubricated. A ball hearing, needs only a small quantity of lubricant for it to function efficiently, hut, unfortunately, the effects of centrifugal force can cause the lubricant to be flung outwardly on to the shell, from whence it either escapes or' congeals, the balls-. and their races. being left practically dry.
.A type. of hall bearing, whialt has been designed with. a view. to correcting such ills is that produced by Non-oiling Bearings, Ltd., . %Ming 84B, Birmingham Factory Centre, King!s. Norton, Birmingham.
In this design., any lubricant which is thrown off is forced to return by reason of the conformation of the thrust ring and outer shell. Another important feature is that the bearing is vistsailysealed against the escape of lubricant, which is not only good for the bearing, but for the clutch facing.
Misalignment of the race-ways is prevented by an oil-cushioned ball retainer, which, by ensuring concentricity of the complete assembly, prevents excessive wear suchas results from eccentric thrust loads. The retainer is made of bronze, whilst the thrust races are, of course, steel.
A ball bearing such as this needs no attention:, from the point of view of lubrication, as its initial supply keeps it lubricated throughout its life.
By reason of the fact that many drivers adopt the practice of keeping their foot on the clutch pedal and by so doing subject the thrust race to continual pressure, any advance in the design of this important component is to be encouraged. Nevertheless, it is desirable to relieve the thrust race of unnecessary work, as the load to which it is subjected under normal operation of the dutch is by no meansinconsiderable.