Schaeffler Debuts Ready-to-install FAG Repair Kit for Replacement of Wheel Bearings

Under its FAG brand, Schaeffler has debuted its new FAG SmartSET, which is a wheel bearing repair solution that can be used for trucks, buses and trailers and comes in a ready-to-install form.

The kit is pre-lubricated, and pre-assembled with pre-positioned tapered roller bearings thus helping to save time and costs and can make a significant difference when it comes to reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO). The installation process is considerably more reliable and simpler. Speaking about the new product, Dr. Robert Felger, Senior Vice President Product and Marketing, Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket said that with customers like transport companies and fleet operators becoming more price sensitive and competitive, they are increasingly focusing on the total cost of ownership. Rather than the buying what may be the cheapest spare part on the market, it is more important to get one that offers the longest reliability over the life span of a vehicle as this reduces the total cost of ownership. Products from FAG like the FAG SmartSET and the brand’s patented FAG Repair Insert Unit (RIU) offer customers added convenience and cost effectiveness as they are holistic repair solutions and have been customized to cater to the needs of truck and bus repair specialists in the form of pre-assembled and high-quality wheel bearing units.

The FAG SmartSET was designed especially for the independent Aftermarket and can be used for all types of truck, bus and trailer axles that have standard tapered roller bearings. The key elements of the new repair solution are two pre-assembled wheel bearing units. Each unit has tapered roller bearings enclosed in an innovative cage design with retaining elements, and specially-coated inner and outer rings. The special coating protect the bearings from corrosion, slip wear and crack formation. A support sleeve pre-positions the tapered roller bearings so it is no longer necessary to rotate the wheel to adjust the bearings. The FAG SmartSET is also pre-lubricated, and this serves to ensure that the mechanics in the garage will have the correct amounts and the right type of grease. Another distinctive feature of the set is a permanent dust cover that prevents dirt from contaminating the grease. The set also includes a pressing tool for installation of the bearings that makes the repair process fast, clean, and efficient while minimizing the scope for repair.

One more benefit this new product offers is for the repair of brakes. Generally standard tapered roller bearings disintegrate when the wheel hub is removed, but the FAG SmartSET remains intact as a unit within the hub. Hence it is no longer necessary to clean and lubricate the hub or replace the shaft sealing ring and depending on the vehicle model, garage professionals can save up to two hours per axle whiloe working on a vehicle.

There are many variants of the FAG SmartSET which can be used for a wide range of  major truck, bus and axle manufacturers.