Roller Bearings VS Ball Bearings – The Major Differences

Have you ever wondered what the difference was between roller bearings and ball bearings? At first glance they may not seem all that different. However, these seemingly similar style bearings have very different uses. We’re showing you how bearings work, and what the differences are between these engineering gems.

How Bearings Work
In general, bearings are all composed of the same basic mechanics: a ball set within an internal or external ring. This setup allows for force to be placed on the ball, referred to as loading. There are two different types of loading with bearings; thrust and radial.  If your bearing is working with a radial load, this means the bearing will rotate, or roll when put under tension. Alternatively, a thrust load will be subject to force dependant on the angle. Bearings have been around for hundreds of years and have many different uses, some of which include aiding in rolling (a tire), pulling, applications in hard drives, skateboards, and more.

Ball Bearings
In small amounts of weight, this extremely common bearing is able to handle both thrust and radial load, making it a popular bearing with engineers. When ball bearings are in motion their main job is to transfer the load from the outer raceway to the inner raceway. This allows for a smooth spin. Ball bearings are commonly used in small wheels and hard drives, as well as other everyday applications, but are prone to deformation when under too much pressure.

Roller Bearings
Unlike ball bearings, roller bearings are designed with heavy loads in mind. These bearings are primarily based around a cylinder, meaning this bearing is able to distribute a load over a large area, carrying heavy weights. Also unlike ball bearings, roller bearings are not made to handle thrust loads.

For more information on roller bearings, ball bearings, and custom solutions contact VNC. We have an expansive selection of bearings available. Call us with any questions, or to get a free estimate today at (800) 862-3211.

Grease Caps: Why Do Grease Caps Lengthen The Life Of Bearings?

When it comes to bearings, there’s a delicate balance between over-greasing, and not greasing enough. Doing one or the other may end up ruining your ball bearings, or drastically cutting its life-span. Sound like a tricky issue? It may seem that way at first, but once you come to understand why your bearings need grease, the easier time you’ll have with your bearing maintenance.

Grease caps are the peg-like covers found at the center of a wheel and are a necessary component of keeping your ball and roller bearings in tip-top shape. Often time’s grease caps go ignored until your bearings are already cracked and broken. If you want to increase your bearings designed lifespan, then you’re going to want to start paying attention to grease caps.

One of the hard-hitters in taking down your bearings are the elements: dirt, debris, water, salt, and sand that can be transferred from the road into your vehicles bearings. Bearings need lubrication, and using grease caps will ensure your bearings are running smooth and clean while reducing the odds of debris and other contaminants getting stuck inside your bearings. Grease caps improve the function and lifespan of your bearings by ensuring that they receive proper lubrication and come in all different varieties to fit every possible application. These caps can be either threaded, or press-on.

No matter which type you choose, keeping a grease cap on your vehicle is an absolute must. To ensure the best possible protection of your ball bearings, clean and repack your bearings with grease at least once a year. This is essential in wheel bearing maintenance. For more information on bearings and grease caps, or to request a personal quote, feel free to call VNC Bearings at 800-862-3211.