Automotive Bearing Applications

GMN Bearing USA’s ABEC 7 high precision ball bearings are made for high speed and heavy load applications.

GMN angular contact bearings (spindle bearings) are expertly crafted for speed, precision, & accuracy.

GMN radial ball bearings are versatile, great in small spaces & when axial loads move in both directions.

We know that not every application requires super, high-precision bearings. We stock other industrial parts from quality brands.

Our one-way sprag clutches are great for applications with low to high torque capacity.

Includes built-in ball bearing support. Supports HEAVY loads & has a high torque capacity: 53 to 588 Nm. Bore (ID) sizes: 10 to 60 mm (0.393 to 2.362 in)

Includes built-in ball bearing support. Supports MEDIUM loads & low to medium torque capacity: 53 to 267 Nm. Bore (ID) sizes: 17 to 40 mm (0.669 to 1.57 in)

No built-in ball bearing support. Good for large orders & low to high torque needs: 1 to 2673 Nm. Bore (ID) sizes: 2 to 240 mm (0.078 to 9.448 in)

No built-in ball bearing support. Has no RPM limits & Supports high torque needs: 609 to 14,060 Nm. Bore (ID) sizes: 38.09 to 220 mm (1.499 to 8.66 in)

This heavy-duty clutch (aka a hold-back clutch) is good for high torque operations and ensures motion freezes in place. Bore (ID) sizes: 15 to 40 mm. (0.59 to 1.73 in)

Designed for HEAVY-DUTY applications that require tough durability.

Our non-contact labyrinth seals are the first line of protection for bearing systems.

The best protection for your bearing. Easy to install with a simple “drop-in” next to your bearing. No added space needed. CF seals offer 100% sealing efficiency against splashing liquids.

Protection against low contamination & splashing liquids.

Designed with grooves in the outer ring to offer more protection (than our L-type seal) against contamination and direct spray liquids. Liquid gets pushed out through outer grooves when in rotation.

Our GMN Gap Seals are plastic and a great choice for washdown applications, such as food conveyors and food manufacturing facilities

Precision Bearings and Clutches for the Automotive Industry

Precision bearings and clutches can be utilized in a number of applications within the automotive industry. A large barrier to entry for automotive applications is the quality control, ISO, and other material traceability or other certifications that may be needed.

With GMN Bearing USA’s extensive knowledge and background, we are generally accepted as a COTS supplier - which greatly reduces the paperwork and approval processes.

Turbocharger / Supercharger

GMN Bearing USA is the bearing OEM expert in the USA for these automotive applications. The deep knowledge gained from decades in this industry and numerous OEM designs can support your efforts to bring your product to the next level.

Understanding both load and RPM duty cycles, calculations being in the ‘red’ are still generally ‘ok,’ effects of high accelerations and decelerations, and even lubrication strategies, to name a few key engineering aspects that GMN can support.

Please contact an engineer at GMN Bearing USA today to support your design efforts.

Clutch within ICE Starter

Similar to other Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) uses, an automotive ICE starter utilizes a sprag clutch to properly engage with the engine. There are two main methods this technology is implemented.

First, the clutch can be set up with the starter. where The sprag clutch spins the starter gear and the ICE starts and overruns the starter the entire time the ICE is running.

A second method is to use the sprag clutch to engage/disengage the starter gear itself. In this method, the starter gear/assembly is not spinning the entire time the ICE is running.

Both methods have their pros/cons. Contact a GMN engineer today to discuss the technical differences between these options.

Overspeed Protection

There are many components within the belting system of many automotive engines that could use protection or overspeed allowance to increase efficiency - i.e., reduce drag.

This protection can come in many forms and various components. A cooling fan may need to be able to overspeed the drive belt on the engine in case a gust of wind spins it faster than the drive RPM. Using a clutch in this connection would allow the fan to overspeed without ‘pulling’ on the engine components.

A similar instance could be a pulley on a turbocharger. There may be surge instances where the exhaust gas recirculation wants to overspeed the turbine in the turbo when decelerating at a fast rate. If the turbocharger can spin at a faster rate than the engine, this can support efficiencies and protect both systems.

These are just a few couple of examples where GMN Bearing USA engineers can support overall system efficiency and protection with our automotive bearings. Contact us today!

Electric Vehicles / Hybrid Electric Vehicles

This segment of the automotive industry is becoming a prominent market for us.

Precision automotive bearings - both radial and angular contact, and clutches are used in multiple locations in electric on these types of vehicles. Depending on the gearing design and motor speeds, super precision bearings may be required to achieve proper life requirements in automotive applications.

Automotive OEMs are also realizing the efficiency gains that can be achieved from having multiple power plants. These could be an ICE with an electric motor, multiple electric motors, or other combinations. Sprag clutches can support efficiencies and switches between power plants on a single vehicle.

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Top Bearings for Automotive Applications

GMN automotive bearings and clutches are the top choice for several automotive OEMs. Contact a GMN Bearing USA expert today to see how we can support your efforts.

Automotive Bearings