What is purpose of the inner/outer races of wheel hubs/bearings? Stability? If wheel hub fits snugly on inner/outer bearings and there is no play, what is function of races?
What is purpose of the inner/outer races of wheel hubs/bearings? Stability? If wheel hub fits snugly on inner/outer bearings and there is no play, what is function of races?
I am assuming this question is directed to the front hubs, -and not the rear hub bearings.
The bearing races are there to support the roller portion of the bearing. The tapered design allows for a preload on the roller to be established which provides a stronger lateral support. The reason a race is used instead of the hub itself is because the race can be heat treated to provide a better wear surface for the roller. If the hub were to be used as the race, then the costs associated with heat treating the roller area would be much greater in production costs, and subsequent repair costs as the components wear.