Do the small steel balls on the axle increase or decrease friction?
2 Answers
The small steel balls on the axle reduce friction. Automotive bearings are fundamental components in vehicle transmission systems, bearing both axial and radial loads, making them crucial parts. Automotive bearings constitute a significant portion of the bearing industry, including wheel hub bearings, air conditioning fan bearings, and pulley bearings, among others. Bearings primarily serve two functions: 1. Ensuring that the shock absorber can rotate with the wheel during vehicle steering, maintaining steering flexibility; 2. The outer ring of the pressure bearing is made of rubber, providing a flexible connection between the vehicle body and the shock absorber, preventing vibrations from uneven road surfaces from being transmitted to the body through the shock absorber during driving.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience behind the wheel, I have a deep appreciation for the small steel balls in the axle. These tiny steel balls are a crucial part of the bearings, and their role is to reduce friction. The design of the bearing's ball bearings transforms the wheel's sliding friction into rolling friction, significantly lowering friction and allowing the car to run more smoothly while consuming less fuel. Without these small steel balls, the car would produce noise when moving, wear out much faster, and shorten the lifespan of the axle system. I once experienced a bearing failure that nearly caused an accident, which taught me the importance of regular bearing maintenance. Remember, they aren't there to increase friction—they're there to save you trouble and effort, ensuring a safe and pleasant journey.
