NSK Presents Smallest Roller Thrust Needle Bearing for Auto Applications

Aiming to take any driving experience to the next level, NSK has created the smallest roller thrust needle bearing for planetary gear mechanisms for use in automobile multistage automatic transmissions. With a diameter of Φ1 mm and length of 1.8 mm, it serves as a perfect replacement for washers, thus significantly reducing friction loss by 70 percent to 80 percent.

In recent years, the demand for increased automobile fuel efficiency has escalated globally, leading to the development of more powerful and efficient transmissions. Thanks to the step AT multistage design that enhances transmission efficiency, this technology has achieved significant growth.

Along with the step AT’s multistage design, the number of planetary mechanism increases. Thus, the number of washers comprising the planetary mechanism also increases. This leads to the generation of friction loss, which then becomes an issue. This is where NSK’s thrust needle bearing enters the picture, which is proven to enhance durability in high-speed revolution environments.

The Japanese company has revealed that it targets 1.8 billion yen in global annual sales of the thrust needle bearing in 2020, boosting the efficiency of Step ATs and thereby enhancing fuel efficiency.