In order to help you, our readers, get insight into our process, here we lay down the reasons for deciding primarily for radial-flux style in our in-wheel motors and our objectives around it.

Nevertheless, in-wheel motors will certainly differ in the future, depending on the vehicle mission profile and introducing new innovations that can open the ways towards even higher compactness and motor performance.

Radialengine aircraft

A: Common causes include poor maintenance, water and dirt contamination, extreme driving conditions, and manufacturing defects.

For now, the biggest issue we see with axial flux motor type is the inevitable axial forces unbalance, which tends to have a runaway effect. As soon as the bearings start wearing out a bit, the unbalance grows and in no time the bearing gets worn out. Also, based on our experience, axial flux motors can be very hard to cool in demanding cycles, such as those of EVs.

A: Typically, wheel bearings last between 85,000 to 100,000 miles, but this can vary based on driving conditions and maintenance.

Radialfluxmotor

With axial flux motors surfing on a bit of hype right now, we frequently get questions on the flux type we are using to design Elaphe high-performance motors and the thought process behind it.

Radialengine vs inline

We have chosen a multiphysics design approach where one looks at all sorts of requirements needed for the desired outcome.

You can rely on our promise of honesty and competence when we service your vehicle. Our customers know that they will get a fair price for services provided.

With radial flux type in-wheel motor systems that we can offer today, we are proving that what was once a concept is now realized in a real product, successfully addressing all requirements of the in-wheel application in automotive requirements. We are continuing to push the envelope of the radial flux configuration and pursuing building the most compact, robust and performant in-wheel motor solutions.

Radialengine diagram

If you suspect you are driving with a broken — or nearly broken — wheel bearing, stop in and see us today. Our team of trained technicians will quickly assess and repair your vehicle and have you back on the road in no time!

Our team takes these questions very seriously, so we even reached out to other companies in the in-wheel motor space to see, how others in the industry view this topic.

Radialengine car

Chances are when you start hearing a loud noise from under the hood of your car as you’re driving, you automatically think it’s an exhaust leak or your car is going to break at any moment. But have you thought about the possibility of a broken — or nearly broken — wheel bearing causing that noise?

We were not driven by the e-machine design, but rather by the requirements of the in-wheel application such as the nature of the majority of loads, the shape of the design space, the required robustness, other components that need to be fitted in the wheel, the ability to achieve higher pole pair count machines and of course simplicity and cost.

Depending on the customer application, either axial flux or radial flux can be a good solution, especially, when the desired requirements drive the choice of technology and not the other way around.

When wheel bearings wear out, they can have a significant impact on vehicle performance, leading to increased friction and resistance within the wheel assembly. This extra friction forces the engine to work harder to maintain the same speed, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency. Additionally, worn bearings can cause uneven tire wear, as the compromised alignment and stability of the wheels lead to irregular contact with the road surface. Hitting a pothole or other road hazard can exacerbate bearing damage, potentially causing sudden bearing failure and loss of vehicle control. The deterioration of wheel bearings also affects the proper transfer of torque from the engine to the wheels, further compromising handling and increasing braking distance.

The radial flux motor clearly came on top based on requirement analysis. Then, in subsequent development, we also refined other details with regards to the component layout to guarantee maximum performance with minimum changes to the mature and critical components such as brakes, rims and suspension (an important consideration for packaging in our target applications).

Radialengine motorcycle

While we have not chosen to pursue axial flux as topology in our solutions, for now, that doesn’t mean that great axial flux in-wheel motors are not possible. But rather, it means that we (so far) did not find it as practical from our requirement point of view.

Tire Wear and Tear. What about your tires? We all know the importance of rotating your tires to promote even wear, but did you know a broken wheel bearing can lead to uneven tire wear too? The looseness of the wheel and the vibration that reverberates through the wheel cause your tires to wear unevenly, meaning you are more likely to have to invest in new tires sooner.

Radialengine for sale

Wheel bearings are essential in the operation of your vehicle. More precisely, a wheel bearing is crucial for the proper function of the hub, tire, and wheel assemblies to work together. The wheel bearing allows friction-free movement and rotation of the hub assembly, and thereby provides smooth tire and wheel rotation. Worn-out or damaged wheel bearings can lead to a range of problems that affect vehicle performance and safety, making it essential for drivers to recognize the signs of trouble.

When we started, we considered all sorts of layouts in concept. Radial flux, axial flux and TFM and their variations with regards to the rotor, stator configuration, winding type, magnet distribution, number of phases and others.

A: Driving with a bad wheel bearing is dangerous as it can lead to wheel failure and accidents. It should be addressed immediately.

When you bring your family’s car to Wiygul Automotive Clinic, we take your trust in us seriously. We take the time to get to know you and your vehicle. In addition, we will send you service reminders and maintain service records that help keep your car’s factory warranty valid - which means you don’t have to go to the dealer for service.

Vehicle Pulling to One Side While Driving. Are you doing the steering, or is the car driving where it wants to? When a wheel bearing corrodes or becomes pitted, the smooth exterior lining is gone and the vibration is transmitted to the tires which may feel like it is “pulling” to one side or the other. As the bearing on one side deteriorates, it puts more pressure on the opposite bearing, leading to uneven wear and increased friction. This uneven wear generates heat, which further accelerates the degradation of the bearing. As a result, the affected wheel may start to wobble or vibrate, robbing the vehicle of its stability and smooth handling, especially when cornering or driving at higher speeds.

We want to take the stress out of getting your vehicle serviced. We’ll never talk down to you or pressure you, but we will be completely thorough honest about what your car does need - specifically noting anything that could be a safety issue.

A: While possible, replacing a wheel bearing requires specific tools and expertise. It’s recommended to seek professional help for accurate installation.

Unusual Noises Coming From the Wheels. Listen carefully. The most common and often most-identifiable symptom associated with a bad wheel bearing is noise coming from the wheel or tire area of the moving vehicle. You may mistake this as engine noise, but when you listen closely you will likely hear grinding or grating that gets louder as the vehicle accelerates. Since wheel bearings are not known for wearing out too frequently, the noise is typically suspected to be something else and the problem gets overlooked.

112-cylinderradialengine

Car Feels Loose. Does your car feel loose? When you hear professional drivers talk about a “loose” car, you may not know what that means. It often refers to the steering of the vehicle, which can include wheel bearings. Wheel looseness, or also called wheel play, is another common symptom of a bad wheel bearing. As the bearing begins to wear down, they become loose inside the wheel hub and spindle, which makes your vehicle feel loose while steering.

Image: From left to right – Elaphe RFM motor // Elaphe TFM motor, industrialized by Domel for e-scooters (12% more efficient than nearest competition) // Example of a state-of-the-art axial flux e-motor