Ceramic Hybrid Axle Bearing – BOCA

SB Style Ceramic Hybrid Insert Bearings have an inner ring that extends on one side of the bearing to provide extra shaft support. Ceramic Hybrid Insert Bearings have steel races with ceramic balls. Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) Ceramic Balls are suitable for applications where high loads, high speeds and extreme temperatures are factors. Long life and the need for minimal lubrication make this material appropriate for extreme applications. Silicon Nitirde is non-porous, non-magentic, non corrosive and lighter than steel. In ball form, ceramic balls are also harder than steel and because ceramic balls are non-porous they are virtually frictionless and capable of spinning faster than steel balls.

A “ceramic hybrid ball bearing” is the most significant advancement in ball bearing technology since the invention of the ball bearing over 100 years ago. They produce about HALF the friction of conventional steel bearings, thus freeing up horsepower. Think about it. A typical Kart has 6 or 7 wheel bearings, and their cumulative friction is significant, especially at high speeds. As speed increases, drag increases exponentially. But that’s not all:

• Tremendously harder than steel. (Rockwell 78c versus Rockwell 60c for steel balls).
• Ceramic ball is 60% lighter than a steel ball.
• Ceramic ball is much less prone to “skid”
• Ceramic ball is significantly rounder and has a finer finish than conventional steel balls.
• Operating temperature for ceramic is 2000 degrees F. versus 600 F. degrees for steel.
• Vibration levels of ceramic hybrid bearings average two to seven times lower than that of steel.
• Service life is two to five times longer than conventional steel ball bearings

One of the fundamental problems with conventional steel ball bearings is their tendency to “micro-weld”. This is when microscopic surface “peaks” on the ball and race make contact and actually weld together. This occurs even with light loading and adequate lubrication, because the actual point load at these “peaks” is upwards of one million PSI. As the bearing rotates, the weld is pulled apart and the cycle continues. This “weld-pull” cycle (technically called adhesive wear) results in higher temperatures, higher friction, and decreased life. Adhesive wear is not some laboratory-only phenomenon, but rather a normal process for a conventional steel ball bearing, especially when lubricated by grease (as opposed to oil).

Now here’s great news: The ceramic hybrid bearing cannot micro-weld to steel, thus eliminating the problem entirely. Friction is drastically reduced, the bearing runs cooler, and therefore lasts many times longer. And because wear particles generated by adhesive wear are not present, the bearing and lubricant stays cleaner, and lasts even longer.

INSTALLATION:
Ceramic Hybrid Bearings and Full Ceramic Bearings require proper installation to ensure optimal performance. Do not use any kind of blunt force or jarring impact such as striking the bearings directly or indirectly with any kind of hammer, rubber mallet or socket wrench. The best method for installation is one that evenly pulls or pushes the bearing in from both sides at a straight angle. A vice or Boca Bearing installer tool is suggested.

SEAL REMOVAL, CLEANING & RELUBING:
If your bearings starts to feel gritty or noisy it is most likely a result of dirt or debris getting under the seal or shield. Your bearing’s life can be extended with a simple cleaning and re-lubing process. If you are not comfortable doing the maintenance yourself you can send your BOCA bearings to Boca Bearings and they will do it for you free of charge.

Removable metal shields have a c-clip that hold the shield in place. The c-clip can be removed by running a pin around the inside of the outer race, once the clip is removed the shield with pop right out. To remove seals from the ceramic hybrids or teflon shields from the full ceramic bearings, you can just gently put a pin or awl under the inside lip of the inner race and pry the seal off of the bearing. Soak your bearings overnight in our Clean Touch bearing cleaner or any standard degreaser, then blow the bearings dry with compressed air or allow them to air dry over night. Depending on your desired goal you may want to re-lube with either our High Speed Oil or Grease Power. Typically you will want to use grease for off-road or dirty riding environments and a light oil for on-road or clean riding environments.

THE BOCA BEARING GUARANTY

Full ceramic and ceramic hybrid bearings are relatively new technology in the go kart market. The chemical properties of ceramic bearings absolutely offer a competitive advantage in terms of performance due to a reduction in rolling resistance and weight. However we have been seeing a small percentage of premature failures under various setups, components, weights of riders and environments. If you experience any problems with your bearings, we offer full support from product exchange to finding a satisfactory working solutions. 100% customer satisfaction is always our goal.