Tapered rollerbearings

Let your local Meineke Car Care Center perform a diagnosis and we’ll let you know how we can repair or replace your wheel bearings to get your car back to a healthy state.

A magnetic bearing works without contact and is therefore wear-free. Lubricants do not have to be used, and maintenance requirements are low. Due to their hermetic encapsulation, they are ideally suited for vacuum applications or use in clean rooms.

At first, bad wheel bearings will start to squeak loudly while you drive. You will know it is time to replace the wheel bearing if the noise is constant, not just when you press the brakes.

Eddy current

The functionality of passive magnetic bearings is based on the forces of permanent magnets. Depending on the force acting on the shaft, there is a displacement from the central position, which remains as long as this force is active. For this reason, passive bearings are used when a force-related position deviation can be permitted.

Rolling element bearing

Often, passive magnetic bearings are combined with conventional bearings or an active magnetic bearing. Contactless bearing in the radial and axial direction using only passive bearings is not possible. However, passive magnetic bearings are cheaper and do not depend on a functioning power supply.

In order to understand the big picture and repair your vehicle properly, technicians must check wear on a variety of components from tires and brakes to tie rods and control arms to find the source of the noise and vibrations.

Technicians receive ample training to learn how to change wheel bearings correctly. Technicians use heavy-duty tools in the shop, including a large press, to pop the bearings out of the hub. On most vehicles, your technician must remove the tire, rotor and hub to access the bearing mounting point.

A magnetic bearing enables bearing without material contact by using magnetic forces. Basically, active and passive magnetic bearings can be distinguished from one another.

Rolling bearing

Any time your vehicle is making unusually loud noises it’s safe to assume that something’s not right. Sometimes the culprit is your car’s wheel bearings. Wheel bearing press service, bearings replacement or other services may be required. Read below to learn about symptoms of problematic wheel bearings and replacement services.

Earnshaw's theorem

At this point, you must have a qualified technician change out the worn components using a wheel bearing press to restore your vehicle to good working condition and eliminate distressing noises and poor ride quality.

In many cases, the diagnostic process will quickly pinpoint the front wheel bearings as the cause. Upon confirming the diagnosis, a technician will write up a work order that includes the total cost to replace your wheel bearings.

Active magnetic bearings generate their bearing force through regulated electromagnets that are arranged around the shaft. The position of the shaft is recorded with the help of position sensors. The differences between the setpoint and actual values of the position are evaluated by a digital control electronic and compensated with the aid of the power electronics. For this purpose, the electromagnets in the active magnetic bearing are controlled in such a way that the shaft remains in the desired position or takes this position. A continuous change of the setpoint is possible - e.g. if the shaft is to be moved on a revolving path.

After placing the hub in the press, it takes several minutes to change the wheel bearings. Your new bearings must also be pressed into the hub to seat their rear surface at the correct point.

Thrust bearing

Your vehicle utilizes a wheel bearing at the hub to allow the tire and rim to smoothly rotate at both low and high speeds. As a rotating part, the wheel bearing's material slowly wears down during usage.

Upon completing the service, the technician will take your vehicle for a test drive to check the noise levels and ride quality. If all goes well, you will then have your vehicle returned to you.

Active magnetic bearings are dependent on a constant power supply and are therefore usually equipped with a mechanical safety bearing that provides protection in the event of a power failure.

Air bearing

Thanks to their advantages, magnetic bearings are a powerful alternative to conventional bearing principles. Typical applications are e.g. compressors, vacuum applications, tool spindles and textile machines.

The EAAT team has been setting new standards in the development and construction of magnetic bearings for more than 25 years. We use our experience to develop and manufacture magnetic bearings in a wide variety of designs and for different industries - always precisely tailored to the needs of our customers.

Magnetic bearings enable direct process monitoring and the setting of position parameters via the control electronics during operation. Vibrations and imbalances can be actively dampened with magnetic bearings from EAAT.