The automotive wheel bearing is an integral component of automobiles that transfers rotation and supports the weight of the vehicle. The life of automotive wheel bearings can be categorized into the raceway and flange lives. The raceway life is based on the spalling that occurs in the raceway and can be determined analytically using the basic rating life calculation method for the rolling bearing. The flange life is based on failure involving the flange and can be numerically predicted through fatigue analysis. In particular, the fatigue analysis for predicting the flange life must consider rotation owing to the bearing characteristics, unlike the general fatigue analysis. In this study, we examined the fatigue analysis of the automotive wheel bearing flange while considering rotation. We performed sequential stress and fatigue analyses using commercial software. As the fatigue material properties are required for fatigue analysis, we obtained the properties by conducting a rotary bending fatigue test on the bearing materials. To verify the results of the analysis, we compared the analysis results with the test results. The validity of the proposed fatigue analysis was confirmed.

In this study, we identified the noise generated from automotive wheel bearings, which has recently emerged as a new problem in electric vehicles. The wheel bearing assembly considered in this study consists of a wheel bearing, dust shield, and knuckle, which are fastened with bolts. To obtain the noise characteristics of the wheel bearing, the noise and vibration were experimentally measured when the bearing rotated. Additionally, the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the main components of the bearing were acquired via modal testing. By comparing the obtained natural frequencies with the peak frequencies of the measured noise and vibration signals, we identified where the noise radiated. To specifically identify bearing defects, a finite element analysis model was established, and the deformation of the bearing under load was analyzed. Based on the analysis, we determined that the deformation of the outer ring in an outboard row, which resulted from bolt fastening, leads to noise and vibration in the wheel bearing.