Long-Life Bearings for

Engine Accessories

Our next-generation bearings for engine

accessorieshighly reliable and durable
against premature white structure flaking.

New!
Patent approved

Long-Life Bearings for Engine Accessories

How can we solve the problem with

white structure flaking?
Engine accessories for automobiles need

Positioning and applications of high chrome steel material

Long-life bearings
White structure flaking

to be highly durable and reliable.

Bearings for engine accessories used under
Surface origin-type flaking

harsh conditions may generate white structure

Sub-surface origin-type flaking

Dust-contaminated
environments

flaking.

Clean environments

White structure origin-type flaking

Environments where hydrogen is

apt to enter the bearing steel

1.0 mm

Close-up of white structure flaking

Prevention of
foreign matter
contamination

Heat treatment

Material

Strengthening
Carburized steel

Optimization
of material
ingredients

50 m

NSK bearings for engine accessories

will solve the problem.

R control

Grease

Material
Reduction of
nonmetallic intermediate

Strengthening of bearing steel

Increase of
chromium quantity

High
purification

Special heat
treatment

Mass-produced steel Specially melted steel

Dust-resistant
bearing

Strengthening of
solid solution
by nitrogen

TF bearing

NSK has ascertained the cause of white structure flaking with

Reduction of
O2 in steel
Reduction of
impurities

UR treatment

Electrical
conductivity
added

Z-steel

NSJ2

engine accessories utilizing HAB grease and high chrome steel material.
The new bearings are durable against white structure flaking, and offer
excellent durability against seizure and rust, meeting vehicle needs well

Sealed-clean
bearings for T/M
Four-row, sealed
tapered roller
bearings

Cost reduction

Optimum
ingredients
Carbonitriding

New TF
bearings

Hi-TF
bearings

HAB grease
Optimization of
chromium quantity

our state-of-the-art technologies.

To solve the problem, we have developed new long-life bearings for

Material

VIM-VAR
Control of particle
distribution of
nonmetallic
intermediates

Super-TF bearings

SHJ5 Steel

High reliability applications

Airplanes applications
High reliability
applications

EP-steel

ES1 Steel

into the future.

<Durability against white structure flaking>

HAB Grease
More than

twice
as durable as
conventional grease

High chrome
steel material
Compared with SUJ2,

Four
times
more durable with SHJ5
Ten
times
more durable with ES1

Newly designed HAB grease and high chrome steel

Long-Life Bearings for

Engine Accessories

Long-Life Bearings for Engine Accessories

Mechanism of white structure flaking and

preventive measures to be taken

What are the causes of

white structure flaking?
High surface
pressure

Micro-slip

Water

NSK eliminates the causes of

white structure flaking.

Vibration

Formation of a new surface

at the area of rolling contact

Solutions

<Catalyst of new surface formation>

Thickness of grease film

Prevention of metallic contact by

ensuring a solid grease film

Generation of hydrogen ions

caused by tribo-chemical reaction

y
vit
cti e
u
nd as
co f gre
c
i
o
r
ct ts
Eleeffec

Newly designed HAB grease and high chrome steel

Long-Life Bearings for

Engine Accessories
Solutions
Inhibits intrusion and diffusion of
hydrogen by reducing abrasion
through fine dispersion of highhardness chromium carbide.

ion
ion of
Inhibitusion/diffus
r
en int

hydro

Formation of white color structure

Data set 1. Measured amount of hydrogen

in bearings without flaking

H2

H2

H2 gas

H2
H2

H2

H2

H2

H2

Reactional film
H2

H2

H2

H2

Fixed ring

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

Data set 2. Measured amount of hydrogen

in bearings with flaking
Hydrogen release speed 105, ppm/sec

Rolling element
Grease film

Hydrogen release speed 105, ppm/sec

White structure flaking

High chrome steel,

resistant to white
structure flaking,
also helps solve
the problem.

Close-up of white
structure flaking seen
in commercially
available bearings

Conceptual diagram of hydrogen intrusion

Flaking patterns of bearings are largely classified into sub-surface origintype flaking in clean environments and surface origin-type flaking in waterand dust-contaminated environments. White structure flaking is a subsurface origin-type, not caused by a defect in inner materials such as
nonmetallic intermediates, but by intrusion of hydrogen into the bearing
steel generated by tribo-chemical reaction, which in turn forms a white
etching constituent and generates flaking sooner than the end of the
calculated operational life.

High chrome
steel material

Prevents white etching

constituents from forming by
controlling diffusion (movement)
of carbon atoms.

cture
e stru n
s
a
b
e
le
Stab or hydrog
f

Generation of
white structure flaking

HAB grease
combined with
nanoscale carbon
particles helps
solve the problem.

Prevents static electricity from

being generated between the
pulley and belt by energizing the
bearing at all times.

Static electricity generated between the

pulley and belt discharges between the
ball and ring, accelerating the generation
of hydrogen, which is caused by the
decomposition of grease.

Intrusion and diffusion of

hydrogen atoms into the steel

HAB grease

Prevents metallic contact by

ensuring a solid film of grease
(oil film).

100

200

300

Temperature, C

400

500

10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

100

200

300

400

500

Data sets 1 and 2 show the measured

amount of hydrogen that intruded into
the bearing after durability tests.
Intrusion of hydrogen was seen in the
bearing with flaking, with a peak at
around 300C. Intrusion of hydrogen
was not found in the bearing without
flaking, and no hydrogen peak was
detected.

Temperature, C

Long-Life Bearings for Engine Accessories

HAB grease and high chrome steel ensure long life and
resistance to white structure flaking.

What are the performance characteristics of

HAB grease and high chrome steel?

HAB Grease

Together they ensure

unprecedented long life.

Four types of bearings for automobile engine accessories

Bearing specification

Bearing material

Grease

Current specification

SUJ2

Current grease

Standard specification

SUJ2

HAB

High-temperature specification

SHJ3

HAB

Long-life specification

SHJ5

HAB

ES1

An innovative grease, combined with nanoscale

carbon particles, with electric conductivity.
HAB grease enables bearing use in environments
up to 180C by improving property stability at high
temperatures. HAB grease contains no
environmentally harmful substances. Furthermore,
with electric conductivity, HAB grease is more than
twice as durable against white structure flaking.

Ultra long-life specification

Standard specification

HAB grease-packed bearings enhance durability against white structure flaking.

They are recommended as standard specification bearings for conventional uses
of engine accessories.

High Chrome Steel

High-temperature specification
High heat-resistant bearings with SHJ3, which solve problems with SUJ2 in hightemperature environments, are recommended for engine accessories used at high

High chrome steel enhances the bearings

temperatures, up to 180C.

durability against white structure flaking.

<Characteristics of SHJ3>

The operational life of SHJ5 is four times longer

1. Less softening during tempering due to dimensional stabilization treatment

than SUJ2, while ES1 lasts ten times longer than

3. Excellent dimensional stability

2. Less softening in high-temperature environments

SUJ2. In addition, high chrome steel is excellent

Long-life specification

for dimensional stability and can be used in high-

SHJ5 has longer operational life than SUJ2 and enables longer operational life

temperature environments.

than bearings with standard specifications.

This specification is recommended when downsizing of bearings is required.

Ultra long-life specification

ES1 provides maximum durability against white structure flaking.
This specification is optimal for bearings for engine accesories.

Long-Life Bearings for Engine Accessories

Long-Life HAB Grease

Measured durability data of HAB grease

Prevention of metallic contact

Electric conductivity

Nanocarbon forms a more solid grease film.

The grease utilizes a thickener with stability
(hardening/softening with time) at high
temperatures.

Combined with electrically conductive substances,

static electricity is prevented from charging
between the pulley and the belt.

Test conditions
Bearing: 608 ( 22 8 7 mm)

Measuring
instrument

500 min1, Fr = Fa = 29.4N, 30C

Electric
resistance
Test bearing

Electric conductivity: 93.2%

Electric conductivity: 12.1%

99.9
99

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6303 equivalent
P/C: 0.10
Speed: 10 500 min1

90
50

10
Before
countermeasures
were taken
Current grease
HAB

1
101

Slip ring

Idler pulley test (outer ring rotation)

Cumulative damage probability, %

Results of HAB grease electric conductivity

Cumulative damage probability, %

Alternator test (inner ring rotation)

102

Constant voltage
power supply

103

99.9
99
90
50

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6301
P/C: 0.13
Speed: 1 000 7 000 min1
Rotational fluctuation: 0.5%

10
5
Current grease
HAB

1
101

104

102

Time, h

103

104

Time, h

Results of white structure flaking durability test (grease)

HAB grease

Representative properties of HAB grease

HAB

Appearance

Speed: 0.5 m/s

Thickener

Temperature: 20C

Diurea

Base oil

Ether oil

Kinetic viscosity of
base oil

HAB

Test method

Black, buttery

mm2/sec

40C

100

100C

13

Worked penetration

290

JIS K 2283

JIS K 2220 (Clause 7)

25C, 60W

Dropping point C
Copper corrosion

260 or higher

JIS K 2220 (Clause 8)

Passed

JIS K 2220 (Clause 9)

0.18

JIS K 2220 (Clause 10)

0.3

JIS K 2220 (Clause 11)

0.02

JIS K 2220 (Clause 12)

100C, 24h

Grease supplied
(Minimum oil film
thickness: 1.14 m)

After one minute

(Minimum oil film
thickness: 0.16 m)

Current grease

99.9
99
90
50

Idler pulley test (outer ring rotation)

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6303 equivalent
P/C: 0.17
Speed: 20 000 min1
Bearing temperature: 170C

Cumulative damage probability, %

Item

Test conditions
Load: 176N

Alternator test (inner ring rotation)

Cumulative damage probability, %

Measurement results for EHL oil film

Current grease

10
5
Current grease
HAB

1
101

102

103

104

99.9
99
90
50

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6301
P/C: 0.14
Speed: 14 000 min1
Bearing temperature: 130C

10
5
Current grease
HAB

1
101

Time, h

Evaporation
%, 99C, 22h
Oil separation

102

103

104

Time, h

Results of seizure durability test (grease)

%, 100C, 24h
Oxidation stability
MPa, 99C, 100h

generated between the belt and the pulley. Since static electricity is not charged inside the bearing, discharge

Worked stability

331

JIS K 2220 (Clause 15)

1.0

JIS K 2220 (Clause 16)

25C, 105W

Water washout resistance

Grease supplied
(Minimum oil film
thickness: 1.14 m)

After one minute

(Minimum oil film
thickness: 0.10 m)

The oil film of HAB grease is more than

1.5 times thicker than that of
conventional greases

phenomena is reduced and decomposition of the grease is inhibited, which in turn prevents the generation of
hydrogen. As a result, long-life HAB grease-packed bearings resist white structure flaking far better than

%, 79C, 1h
Low-temperature
torque

Activated

0.30

N m, 30C

Rotations

0.10

Rust test 0.1% NaCI

Blending nanoscale carbon particles into HAB grease creates electric conductivity, eliminating static electricity

1, 1, 1

conventional bearings and are also more resistant to seizing.

JIS K 2220 (Clause 18)

ASTM D 1743

25C, 48h, 100%RH

Long-Life Bearings for Engine Accessories

Long-Life High Chrome Steel

Measured durability data of SHJ5 and ES1

Finely dispersing and precipitating, high-hardness

chromium carbides inhibit abrasion, preventing new
surface formation, and reduce tribo-chemical
reactions (generation of hydrogen).

Inhibits diffusion of carbon in steel, and controls

formation of white etching areas.
Compared with SUJ2, SHJ5 and ES1 have longer
operational lives due to their abrasion resistance,
hydrogen intrusion/diffusion inhibition, and
stabilized carbide and base structures.

High hydrogen trapping energy.

Alternator test

Hydrogen charging test

1 200

1 200
No flaking generated

1 000

800
600
400

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6303 equivalent
P/C: 0.10
Speed: 10 500 min1

200
0

Low

White structure
flaking durability L10, h

White structure
flaking durability L10, h

1 000

No flaking generated
800
600
400

Test conditions
Test bearing: Sample of a thrust bearing
P/C: 0.4
Speed: 2 500 min1

200

Alternator test (inner ring rotation)

High

Low

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6303 equivalent
P/C: 0.10
Speed: 10 500 min1
Grease: Before
countermeasures
taken

90
50

10
5

SUJ2
SHJ5
ES1

1
101

High

Chromium quantity

99.9
99

102

103

H
H

0.04
0.02
0

10

100

1 000

Seizing test for each material

12
Seizure PV value, GPa m/s

10

Hydrogen diffusion rate, ppm/h

0.16
0.14
0.12
0.10
0.08

104

90
50

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6303 equivalent
P/C: 0.17
Speed: 20 000 min1
Bearing temperature: 170C

10
5
SUJ2 + Current grease
SHJ5 + HAB grease

102

103

104

90
50

103

104

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6301
P/C: 0.14
Speed: 14 000 min1
Bearing temperature: 130C

10
5
SUJ2 + Current grease
SHJ5 + HAB grease

1
101

102
Time, h

Results of seizure durability test (material)

4
2

SHJ5

ES1

By using high chrome steel as a bearing material to counter white

structure flaking, wear resistance is improved, tribo-chemical reactions
due to wear are reduced, intrusion/diffusion of hydrogen (hydrogen
trapping effect) is inhibited, and carbides and base structure are
stabilized (movement of carbon atoms is inhibited at the time of white
etching area formation). SHJ5 and ES1 provide longer life against white
structure flaking and exhibit higher durability against seizure than
conventional materials.

0.06

Newly designed HAB Grease and High Chrome Steel

0.04
0.02
0

SUJ2

103

Idler pulley test (outer ring rotation)

99.9
99

Time, h
6

SUJ2

0.18

10 000

99.9
99

1
101

Hydrogen diffusion rate

102
Time, h

Alternator test (inner ring rotation)

Left at 170C

Time, h

SUJ2
SHJ5
ES1

1
101

104

0.06

ES1
SHJ5
SUJ2 (usual heat treatment)

0.08

High chrome steel:

Strong trapping function
Slow hydrogen diffusion
Hydrogen cannot accumulate easily

10

Results of white structure flaking durability test (material)

Cumulative damage probability, %

50

0.10

Rate of change, %

Test conditions
Test bearing: 6301
P/C: 0.13
Speed: 1 000 7 000 min1
Rotational fluctuation: 0.5%
Grease: Before
countermeasures
taken

90

Dimensional stability of each material

Conceptual illustration of the hydrogen trapping function

99.9
99

Time, h

Chromium quantity

Relationship between chromium quantity and white structure flaking durability

SUJ2:
Weak trapping function
Fast hydrogen diffusion
Hydrogen may accumulate in
stress concentration areas such as
micro damages

Idler pulley test (outer ring rotation)

Cumulative damage probability, %

Inhibited hydrogen diffusion

Cumulative damage probability, %

Stabilized carbide and base structures

Cumulative damage probability, %

Improved wear resistance

SHJ5

ES1

Long-Life Bearings for

Engine Accessories
10

Worldwide Sales Offices

NSK Ltd.-Headquarters, Tokyo, Japan
INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY BEARINGS DIVISION-HEADQUARTERS tel:
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Industria Cuscinetti S.p.A.

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NSK Ltd. has a basic policy not to export any products or technology designated as controlled items by export-related laws. When exporting the products in this
brochure, the laws of the exporting country must be observed. Specifications are subject to change without notice and without any obligation on the part of the
manufacturer. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the data contained in this brochure, but no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage
suffered through errors or omissions. We will gratefully acknowledge any additions or corrections.

For more information about NSK products, please contact:

Printed on 100% recycled paper.

CAT. No.E1256a 2007 B-6 Printed in Japan NSK Ltd. 2004