SKF Developed Hub Bearing Units for Active Tyre Pressure Management

    STOCKHOLM, Sweden--Feb. 28, 2001--SKF's wheel bearing arrangement, that provides a passage for air to pass to and from the wheel and tyre assembly, was a crucial element in realising the Michelin Wabco active tyre pressure management system - an innovative enhancement to vehicle safety.
    The wheel bearing arrangement is the interface between the rotating wheel and tyre assembly and the vehicle's suspension. Hub bearing units - integrated wheel bearing arrangements - are typically sealed to prevent water and dirt to enter the application and to retain the grease that lubricates the bearing.
    For the new Michelin Wabco system, SKF has incorporated additional special sealing and airway gallery arrangements that allow air to be exchanged between the centralised compressor and control systems and the vehicle's four tyres.
    Modern hub bearing units come in a range of basic design families. SKF has developed specific sealing and air gallery adaptations for all members of these families. This additional sealing and the airway galleries have been designed and extensively tested to ensure they provide a solution for the Michelin Wabco system that is as durable as conventional hub bearing units.