Advantages and disadvantages of tapered roller bearings and ball bearings

The decision as to whether to use tapered roller bearings or ball bearings as the wheel bearing is based on the properties of the respective bearing type. Balls are generally used in passenger cars. Because of their ability to absorb high radial forces, tapered roller bearings are oft en used in commercial vehicles.

	Tapered roller bearing Advantages: • Can cope with high loads due to the  large contact area of the rolling elements in the races Disadvantages: • Not suitable for high engine speeds • Increasing heat due to large contact  surface
	Ball bearing Advantages: •Suitable for high engine speeds •Low friction thanks to minimal contact area ofthe rolling elements in the races Disadvantages: •High surface pressure (the load is concentrated on the smaller contact area of the balls)