ACORN® provides winning solution to motorsport customer

When a motorsport team were facing recurring issues with the wheel bearings (specifically 6011-2RS) in their track car, they found that the failures were leading to performance setbacks and frequent maintenance. The team approached Andy Fletcher, Bearing Product Manager for ACORN to provide a solution that would enhance both the performance and lifespan of the bearings.

The frequent failure of the wheel bearings was affecting the track car’s performance, requiring the team to replace them repeatedly. The failure mode was unknown, and the team needed a long-term solution to maintain their competitive edge.

The diagnosis

ACORN® was brought in to diagnose the root cause and offer a more reliable solution. To fully understand the problem, Andy undertook a detailed investigation, asking a series of application-specific questions regarding:

Operating Environment: What were the conditions in which the bearings were used? Were there high levels of dust, moisture, or other contaminants present?

Maximum Operating Speed: What was the top speed the bearings needed to withstand during operation?

Operating Temperature: How hot did the bearings get during the race, and were there any significant temperature fluctuations?

Rigidity Requirements: Was increased stiffness necessary to improve handling and durability?

Through these questions, it became apparent that the standard 6011-2RS bearings were not suitable for the high demands of a racetrack environment. The customer emphasised the need for increased rigidity, which was crucial for high-speed cornering and overall vehicle stability.

The Solution

From the customer’s feedback, ACORN proposed a custom solution involving SKF S7011 Super Precision Bearing sets. These bearings offer a range of advantages, for example they are sealed for life which ensures that contaminants like dust and debris are kept out, preventing premature bearing failure. They also contain high-speed grease with the correct fill which is a dedicated high-speed grease was used to enhance lubrication, ensuring smooth operation at high velocities. The super precision bearings also provide enhanced rigidity, a key factor for improving the car’s handling during high-speed racing.

Results

Following the results of Andy’s investigation, the new super precision bearings were installed on the track car in time for an upcoming race weekend. Not only did the bearings outperform the previous standard models, but the enhanced reliability and performance contributed directly to the car’s success. The track car won two races that weekend, a testament to the improved bearing solution.

Since implementing the new bearings, the team has experienced fewer maintenance intervals and increased performance reliability. The extended bearing life has reduced the frequency of replacements, ultimately lowering operational costs and downtime. The customer was highly satisfied with the results and will be upgrading all the bearings on their track cars to super precision bearings where suitable.

This success story demonstrates how selecting the correct bearings, along with optimised lubrication, can significantly improve vehicle performance, and as SKF Super Precision Product Partners, ACORN is perfectly positioned to offer superior precision solutions for customers.