Volume 6

Issue 2

Promoting safe, proper bearing handling

practices FOR THE HEAVY-DUTY MARKET

CASE-CARBURIZED VS. THROUGH-HARDENED

Which Material is Right for Your Application?

Use these guidelines, to 3-hole punch Tech Tips and store it in a binder.

hen you spec bearings, you want to be

sure you choose those that are
appropriate for the operating
environment and technical requirements of your
application. One decision you may be faced with
is whether to use case-carburized or throughhardened product.
In making the decision between case-carburized
and through-hardened product, technical and
commercial issues must be considered. Technical
issues include required service life, loading,
amount of debris, alignment and maintenance
practices. Price and warranty are two prime
commercial considerations.

Case-carburized Bearings
Endure Heavy Shock Loads
Traditionally, The Timken Company has offered only
case-carburized bearing products. Case-carburized
bearings have a tough, ductile core combined with a
hard, wear-resistant outer surface. The core
enhances the ability to endure heavy shock loads
without damage. It also improves the ability to
operate under misalignment and where dirt and
debris are present.

THROUGH-HARDENED

CASE-CARBURIZED

hardened bearings feature a more uniform

hardness throughout. They also remain more
rigid under misalignment which can generate
higher stress levels within the bearing. If the
application is free of shock loads, is relatively
clean and is not highly misaligned, then throughhardened bearings may be a cost efficient
alternative.

Through-hardened Bearings Offer

Appropriate Levels of Performance

In order to provide customers with a variety of

alternatives for their trailer performance needs,
Timken soon will offer through-hardened K-Series
heavy-duty trailer bearings. However, you should
always consult your Timken sales representative
when deciding whether to use through hardened
or case-carburized bearings.

However, there are many applications where

through-hardened bearing products adequately
meet performance requirements. Through-

For more product and performance information on

what type of bearing is right for your application,
contact your Timken sales representative.

www.timken.com

Specify
Specify Timken
Timken Bearings
Bearings

TIMKEN LITERATURE
In this issue of Tech Tips, we discussed factors to
consider when choosing case-carburized or
through-hardened bearings for you application. For
other maintenance and safety tips, visit
www.timken.com for past issues of Tech Tips. Or,
use the order form below to request the handy
reference brochure listed:
Order #6335 How Do You Rate on Bearing
Adjustment? This easy-to-use brochure outlines
the four basic characteristics of appropriate wheel
bearing adjustment.
Order Form
To order How Do You Rate on Bearing Adjustment?,
please complete this form and fax it to
330-471-7032 or mail it to:
Heavy Duty Bearing Brochures
The Timken Company
Mail Code: GNW-37
1835 Dueber Avenue, SW
Canton, Ohio 44706-0932

WARNING!
Proper maintenance and handling practices
are critical. Failure to follow installation
instructions and to maintain proper
lubrication can result in equipment failure
creating a risk of serious bodily harm.
Never spin a bearing with compressed air.
The rollers may be forcefully expelled
creating a risk of serious bodily harm.

SAFETY CHECK

According to the National Transportation

Safety Board, the incidence of wheel separations
is about 750 to 1,050 per year. The Safety
Board identified improper wheel maintenance
as a potential cause. Most often cited were
inadequate in-service inspection guidelines and
failure to adhere to recommended maintenance
practices. At The Timken Company, we care
about the safety of you and everyone on the
road. Thats why we do our best to bring you
recommended inspection and maintenance
guidelines that keep everyone safe.

Name: ____________________________________ Title: __________________________________

Company: ________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________ State: ________________Zip: ____________
Phone: ____________________________________ Fax: _________________________________
Order No. 6335 How Do You Rate on Bearing Adjustment?

Quantity:_____________

Timken is the registered trademark of

The Timken Company.
www.timken.com

2001 The Timken Company

Printed in the U.S.A.
115M-5-01 Order No. 5658

WORLDWIDE LEADER IN BEARINGS AND STEEL