Dana Corp. (USA), through its Commercial Vehicle System Group, has begun offering a new drive shaft center support bearing design, specifically for multi-section driveshafts.
Dana Spicer XC Center Bearing
The Dana Spicer XC Center Bearing is designed to solve alignment problems faced by OEMs building heavy-duty trucks with two-piece driveshafts.
All multi-section driveshaft assemblies have a variety of engineering challenges to be settled, destructive harmonic vibrations and excessive shaft angularity at the top of the list.
The XC is designed to simplify installation and critical shaft alignment steps for those multiple driveshaft assembly applications.
“Proper alignment is critical to the successful installation of a multiple driveshaft configuration,” said Jim Holman, engineering manager in Dana’s commercial and off-highway applications group. “Our new center bearing accomplishes this better than prior models because the design has flexibility engineered into the system that allows the specially engineered elastomer isolator to pivot in a new integrated hanger bracket and self-align as it is being installed. This ensures the system is properly aligned when the vehicle leaves the factory and ultimately provides a more efficient and longer life drivetrain enhancement.”
two-piece driveshaft
By essentially eliminating the chances for damaging the isolator or bearing, the result is longer service life, not only for the center support but also the driveshaft joints.
“With the new design, our OEM customers will also see improved plant efficiency and flexibility as we have successfully reduced the number of brackets that were once required” said Mr. Holman. “In the past, multiple hanger bracket configurations were needed to accommodate a wide range of driveshaft angle configurations and alignment issues.”
The XC Center Bearing uses an extended life ball bearing with improved sealing and highly engineered rubber cushion designs. The design also eliminates the need for troublesome and rust-prone slingers.
The rubber cushion support and isolation components allow optimal bearing performance at shaft angle fluctuations +/- 10 degrees, ensuring that the driveshafts remain aligned and operating smoothly.
Finally, the XC Center Bearing weighs approximately 1.5 pounds less than current designs.
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