22-03-2020, 02:01 AM
These 'oversized' bearings need to be taken in context.
The Austin 7 was quite advanced being fitted with rolling element bearings in an era where the techniques of bearing design were being developed.
The early Swedish bearings (SKF) were made using their remarkably clean Swedish steel which gave longer bearing fatigue life, this advantage now largely overcome by the use of vacuum melted steel by most reputable manufacturers.
In the 20's bearings were selected to give a calculated running life based on current criteria- with the design and material improvements modern bearings can be made smaller for a similar fatigue life.
The design of machine elements has improved as well- the early bearings were sized to fit the shaft which would now be smaller for the same strength.
Given modern vehicles are designed for a much shorter life than Austins used it will be very surprising if any are still running in 90+ years !
The Austin 7 was quite advanced being fitted with rolling element bearings in an era where the techniques of bearing design were being developed.
The early Swedish bearings (SKF) were made using their remarkably clean Swedish steel which gave longer bearing fatigue life, this advantage now largely overcome by the use of vacuum melted steel by most reputable manufacturers.
In the 20's bearings were selected to give a calculated running life based on current criteria- with the design and material improvements modern bearings can be made smaller for a similar fatigue life.
The design of machine elements has improved as well- the early bearings were sized to fit the shaft which would now be smaller for the same strength.
Given modern vehicles are designed for a much shorter life than Austins used it will be very surprising if any are still running in 90+ years !