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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 10-30-2025 Origin: Site
The Drive Shaft Center Support Bearing (also known as Carrier Bearing or Hanger Bearing) is a critical support component in commercial vehicle driveline systems. In Mercedes-Benz NG, MK, SK, and Atego long-wheelbase commercial vehicles where the driveshaft exceeds 2 meters in length, center support is essential to prevent:
· Critical speed resonance: Severe vibration when driveshaft RPM approaches its natural frequency
· Whipping effect: Bending deformation caused by shaft weight at high rotation speeds
· Bearing overload: Excessive radial forces on transmission output and rear axle differential bearings
The support bearing ensures transmission efficiency through:
1. Radial load bearing: Rubber cushion and spherical bearing jointly absorb driveshaft weight and centrifugal forces during operation (up to 800N)
2. Angular compensation: Allows ±3° driveshaft deflection to accommodate chassis twist and suspension travel
3. Vibration isolation: Rubber elements attenuate engine vibration (50-80Hz) by over 70%, preventing transmission to cab
4. Axial float: 3-5mm axial clearance compensates for thermal expansion (driveshaft operating temperature reaches 120°C)
Component | Material Standard | Key Parameters | Function |
Housing Assembly | Cold-rolled steel SPCC (δ=3mm) | Dacromet surface treatment, salt spray test ≥720h | Fixed to chassis crossmember, bears static installation loads |
Sealed Deep Groove Ball Bearing | GCr15 bearing steel | 6206-2RS, bore Ø30×OD Ø62×width 16mm | Bears radial loads, speed limit 4500rpm |
Rubber Damping Cushion | NBR nitrile rubber (Shore A 65±5°) | Operating range -40°C~+120°C | Isolates vibration, provides angular flexibility |
Spherical Bushing | 45# steel quenched & tempered (HRC28-32) | Spherical radius R35mm | Mates with driveshaft, allows angular deflection |
Dust Cover | PA66 nylon + 30% glass fiber | Oil & temperature resistant ISO 6743 | Prevents sand/mud from entering bearing cavity |
For high-altitude South American (3000m+) and Middle Eastern high-temperature (65°C surface temperature) applications, we offer enhanced material versions:
· Rubber compound: HNBR hydrogenated nitrile rubber with temperature range extended to -45°C~+150°C, ozone aging resistance improved by 300%
· Bearing grease: Mobil Mobilux EP2 lithium complex grease, dropping point ≥180°C, ensures lubricating film stability under extreme temperatures
· Surface protection: Housing with Geomet 500 Dacromet + topcoat double corrosion protection, tested to 1200 hours salt spray without red rust
Comparison | 2202D-084-18 | 2202D-084-D | 2202D-084-A |
Applicable Models | NG 1973-1984 (early wheelbase 3600mm) | MK 1984-1992 / SK 1990-1998 | Atego 1998-2004 (light series) |
Bearing Model | 6206-2RS (standard) | 6206-2RS | 6205-2RS (bore Ø25mm) |
Housing Mount Hole Spacing | 140mm (M10 bolts) | 145mm (M10 bolts) | 135mm (M8 bolts) |
Rubber Cushion Thickness | 32mm | 35mm (enhanced damping) | 28mm |
Spherical Bushing Bore | Ø45mm (H7 tolerance) | Ø45mm | Ø40mm |
Assembly Weight | 1.85kg | 2.1kg | 1.5kg |
OEM Alternative Numbers | A2202D08418 / 220-2D-084-18 | A2202D084D / 220.2D.084.D | A2202D084A |
Step 1: Confirm Chassis Code - NG series: Chassis number prefix 670/671/672 (e.g., starts with 6720) - MK series: Chassis number prefix 1114/1214/1617 (e.g., starts with 1114) - SK series: Chassis number prefix 1838/2028/2538 - Atego: Chassis number prefix 970/971 (light), 972/973 (medium)
Step 2: Measure Critical Dimensions When nameplate is unclear, directly measure old part: - Housing mounting bolt center distance (choose from 140/145/135mm) - Bearing inner ring bore (Ø30 or Ø25) - Spherical bushing to driveshaft mating diameter
Step 3: Verify Production Year Mercedes upgraded driveline systems around 1998: - Before 1998: Use -18 or -D version - 1998-2004 Atego: Dedicated -A version - After 2004 Atego II: Changed to new number A 9704100181
Step 1: Vehicle Identification
├─ Check vehicle nameplate (cab B-pillar or engine compartment)
├─ Record: Model designation / Chassis number / Production date
└─ Photo: Old support bearing assembly (including installation position)
Step 2: Old Part Measurement (vernier caliper accuracy 0.02mm)
├─ Dimension A: Housing mounting hole center distance
├─ Dimension B: Bearing housing outer diameter
├─ Dimension C: Spherical bushing inner diameter
├─ Dimension D: Rubber cushion outer diameter & thickness
└─ Dimension E: Mounting bolt diameter (M8/M10/M12)
Step 3: Wear Condition Assessment
├─ Is rubber cushion cracked/hardened (no elasticity when pressed)
├─ Does bearing rotation have resistance/abnormal noise
├─ Is housing corroded/deformed
└─ Spherical bushing wear depth (normal <0.3mm)
Step 4: Cross-Reference Verification
└─ Compare measurement data with Table 3.1 to determine OE number
Dimension A - Housing Mount Hole Spacing: Use vernier caliper to measure center distance between two mounting bolt holes, accurate to 0.1mm. Different batches may have ±1mm tolerance.
Dimension C - Spherical Bushing Bore: Remove bearing and measure with inside micrometer, distinguish between: - Ø45mm (H7): Mates with driveshaft Ø44.975-44.991mm - Ø40mm (H7): Mates with driveshaft Ø39.975-39.991mm
Tool Checklist: - Torque wrench (range 10-150N·m, accuracy ±4%) - Driveshaft removal tool (prevents universal joint damage) - Copper bar or plastic hammer (for bearing installation) - Cleaner & lubricating grease (Mobilux EP2 or equivalent) - Vernier caliper, feeler gauge, level
Safety Requirements: - Vehicle parked on level ground, in park gear with parking brake engaged - Use wheel chocks to block front and rear tires - Confirm transmission in neutral before disconnecting driveshaft - Wear safety glasses (prevent grease spray)
1. Make alignment marks on driveshaft and universal joint flange (prevent imbalance after assembly)
2. Remove rear universal joint flange bolts (4×M12, torque 95N·m)
3. Remove old support bearing mounting bolts (2×M10, torque 45N·m)
4. Carefully remove driveshaft, avoid damaging universal joint cross-shaft dust boots
1. Remove rust and old sealant from chassis crossmember mounting surface
2. Check if crossmember is deformed (measure with straight edge, flatness error <1mm)
3. Check driveshaft spherical bushing mating area wear condition
4. Apply thin layer of lubricating grease (avoid dry friction during installation)
1. Insert driveshaft through spherical bushing, confirm mating clearance (0.02-0.05mm normal)
2. Fix support bearing assembly to chassis crossmember, hand-tighten bolts until contact
3. Check if bearing centerline is concentric with driveshaft (deviation <2mm)
4. Tighten bolts in diagonal sequence in three stages:
o Stage 1: 20N·m (pre-torque)
o Stage 2: 35N·m
o Stage 3: 45N·m (M10 bolt final torque)
1. Align marks made during removal, install rear universal joint
2. Apply medium-strength thread locker (Loctite 243)
3. Tighten universal joint flange bolts:
o Stage 1: 50N·m
o Stage 2: 70N·m
o Stage 3: 95N·m
4. Use feeler gauge to check driveshaft axial clearance (3-5mm normal)
1. Idle with no load, check for abnormal vibration or noise
2. Re-torque all bolts after 50km driving (torque decay approximately 10%)
3. Check if rubber cushion has displaced or compression deformation
Location | Bolt Specification | Initial Torque | Re-torque (after 50km) | Thread Locker |
Support Bearing Mount Bolts | M10×1.5 | 45N·m | 48N·m | Medium strength |
Universal Joint Flange Bolts | M12×1.75 | 95N·m | 100N·m | Medium strength |
Atego Light Version | M8×1.25 | 28N·m | 30N·m | Low strength |
Note: When using pneumatic tools, must use torque limiter. Prohibit direct use of impact wrench (causes bolt overload and fracture).
Symptom Description: - Vehicle emits rhythmic “click-click” noise from underneath during start or acceleration - Noise frequency increases with vehicle speed (not synchronized with engine RPM) - Most noticeable at 60-80km/h
Possible Causes: 1. Internal support bearing damage: Ball wear or cage fracture (55% of cases) 2. Rubber cushion aging/hardening: Loss of damping ability (30%) 3. Spherical bushing looseness: Mating clearance exceeds 0.1mm (15%)
Diagnostic Method: - Lift vehicle, manually rotate driveshaft, feel if bearing is stuck - Check rubber cushion surface for cracks or powdering (loss of elasticity indicates failure) - Measure spherical bushing to driveshaft mating clearance (with feeler gauge)
Symptom Description: - Periodic steering wheel and seat vibration at 50-70km/h - Vibration diminishes or disappears when releasing throttle - Vibration actually decreases above 80km/h
Possible Causes: 1. Driveshaft dynamic imbalance: Eccentric support bearing installation (40%) 2. Rubber cushion collapse: Driveshaft sag exceeds 5mm (35%) 3. Universal joint cross-shaft wear: Combined with support bearing failure (25%)
Diagnostic Method: - Use level to measure static driveshaft sag (standard 3-5mm) - Check if universal joint flange bolts are loose - With vehicle lifted, observe if support bearing rubber cushion is cracked or separated
Symptom Description: - After 30 minutes driving, support bearing housing temperature exceeds 80°C - Accompanied by rubber burning smell - Bearing rotation resistance noticeably increased
Possible Causes: 1. Bearing over-preloaded: Excessive installation torque causing inner ring deformation (50%) 2. Lubricating grease loss: Seal ring aging causing insufficient lubrication (30%) 3. Incorrect bearing model: Insufficient load capacity (20%)
Diagnostic Method: - Use infrared thermometer to measure bearing housing temperature (normal <70°C) - Disassemble bearing, observe if raceway surface has blue temper color (overheating indicator) - Check if bearing internal lubricating grease has deteriorated and blackened
Driveline System Abnormality
├─ Noise Category
│ ├─ Rhythmic clicking sound → Check bearing/spherical bushing
│ ├─ Continuous humming sound → Check bearing lubrication condition
│ └─ Sharp friction sound → Check if dust cover detached and rubbing driveshaft
│
├─ Vibration Category
│ ├─ Specific speed vibration → Check driveshaft balance/support bearing eccentricity
│ ├─ Full speed range vibration → Check rubber cushion aging/universal joint wear
│ └─ Acceleration vibration → Check spherical bushing clearance/bolt looseness
│
└─ Oil Leak/Overheating Category
├─ Bearing housing oil seepage → Bearing seal ring damage
├─ Rubber cushion oil seepage → Transmission or rear axle leak contamination (not bearing fault)
└─ Abnormal heating → Check installation torque/bearing model compatibility
Inspection Intervals: - Daily pre-drive: Visual check for rubber cushion cracks, bolt looseness - Every 20,000km: Check driveshaft runout, re-torque bolts - Every 60,000km: Replace support bearing assembly (preventive maintenance) - Extreme conditions (mining/high altitude): Reduce to 40,000km replacement
Replacement Trigger Conditions (replace if any met): 1. Rubber cushion surface crack depth >3mm or hardness >75° Shore A 2. Bearing rotation resistance noticeably increased or has stuck feeling 3. Spherical bushing mating clearance >0.1mm 4. Housing severely corroded or mounting bolt holes deformed
Huami’s 2202D-084 series support bearings comply with the following standards:
Standard Category | Standard Number | Test Item | Huami Tested Value |
Bearing Performance | ISO 15:2017 | Radial clearance | C3 group (0.020-0.033mm) |
Rubber Material | ASTM D2240 | Shore A hardness | 65±3° (standard 65±5°) |
Salt Spray Test | ISO 9227 NSS | Neutral salt spray | 1200h no red rust (standard 720h) |
High Temperature Aging | ISO 188 | 150°C×168h | Hardness change +8° (standard ±10°) |
Fatigue Life | ISO 281 | Basic rating life L10 | 120,000km (standard 80,000km) |
100% Full Inspection Items: 1. Dimensional accuracy: CMM inspection of critical dimensions (Cpk≥1.67) 2. Bearing rotation: No-load torque test (≤0.5N·m qualified) 3. Rubber cushion hardness: Shore A durometer 5-point measurement average 4. Appearance quality: Dacromet layer thickness ≥8μm, no substrate exposure/sagging
Sampling Inspection Items (20% per batch): 1. Static load: 5000N radial load for 1 hour, rubber cushion compression ≤15% 2. Dynamic fatigue: Simulate 80,000km life (equivalent 2 million cyclic loads) 3. High-low temperature cycling: -40°C~+120°C hold 4 hours each ×10 cycles 4. Accelerated salt spray: 720 hours neutral salt spray, rating ≥9 (ISO 10289)
Each support bearing housing has laser-engraved unique traceability code containing: - Production date (year-month-day) - Shift & operator code - Raw material batch numbers (rubber/bearing/housing) - Quality inspector signature code
Customers can use Huami’s official website quality traceability system to input traceability code and query: - Raw material inspection reports (PDF) - Production process parameter records - Factory inspection reports - Logistics tracking information
Rubber Compounding Autonomy: - Own 15 rubber internal mixing production lines (total capacity 6000 tons/year) - Can customize rubber compounds per customer conditions (high temp/ozone resistant/low temp flexible) - From raw rubber to finished rubber cushion, production cycle reduced to 3 days (industry average 10 days)
Bearing Matching Optimization: - Strategic cooperation with China’s leading bearing manufacturers (Luoyang LYC/Wafangdian ZWZ) - Heavy-duty applications can upgrade to C4 clearance group (15% load capacity increase) - Provide bearing pre-assembly service ensuring mating precision
Tooling Development Capability: - Internal tooling center owns 50+ commercial vehicle support bearing molds - New products from drawing to sample only 15 days (including mold fabrication) - Support small batch customization (MOQ only 50 pieces)
Quality Management Systems: - IATF 16949:2016 (Automotive industry quality management, certificate no.: 0419830) - ISO 9001:2015 (TÜV Rheinland certified) - ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental management system) - ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational health & safety)
Laboratory Accreditation: - CNAS certified testing center (registration no.: L12345) - Equipped with CMM, salt spray chamber, fatigue tester, 30+ equipment sets - Can issue third-party test reports (supports European/American customs clearance)
Enterprise Honors: - MIIT “Specialized & Sophisticated” Little Giant Enterprise (2022 certification) - Hebei Special Rubber & Plastic Industrial Technology Research Institute host unit - Customs AEO Advanced Certified Enterprise (customs clearance facilitation)
Inventory Strategy: - Common OE numbers stocked inventory 3000 pieces (covers 80% order demand) - Located in Xingtai, Hebei, 150km from Tianjin Port (export logistics convenience) - Jing-Gang-Ao Expressway/Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Rail direct, 48-hour domestic delivery
Flexible Production: - MOQ: Standard parts 50 pieces, custom parts 200 pieces - Lead time: Stock items 2-3 days, standard production 7-10 days, custom development 15-20 days - Support VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) model, establish dedicated warehouse for major customers
Technical Support: - 100-person R&D team (including 10 PhDs/Masters) - Provide free selection consultation, installation training, fault diagnosis services - Equipped with Spanish/English technical support (covers European/American/South American markets)
Case 1: South American Mining Heavy-Duty Version - Customer: Chilean copper mine fleet (50 Mercedes-Benz SK 2638 modified mining trucks) - Operating conditions: 60-ton full load, rough road surface, 300km daily average - Customization solution: - Rubber cushion hardness increased to 70° Shore A (enhanced support rigidity) - Bearing upgraded to high-load P6 precision grade - Housing steel plate thickened to 4mm (impact resistance improved) - Result: Service life extended from 40,000km to 80,000km
Case 2: Middle East High Temperature Adaptation - Customer: Saudi logistics company (Atego fleet) - Operating conditions: 65°C surface temperature, high airborne sand content - Customization solution: - HNBR rubber compound (temperature resistant to 150°C, ozone aging performance improved 300%) - Enhanced dust cover (multi-layer labyrinth seal) - High-temperature lubricating grease (dropping point 190°C) - Result: Failure rate reduced 70%, customer placed additional 3000-piece order
A: The most direct method is measuring housing mounting bolt hole center distance: 140mm corresponds to -18 version (NG models), 145mm corresponds to -D version (MK/SK models), 135mm corresponds to -A version (Atego models). If you have the old part, checking the bearing model also works: -18 and -D use 6206 bearing (30mm bore), -A uses 6205 bearing (25mm bore).
A: Under normal operating conditions, recommend replacement every 60,000-80,000km. However, if your vehicles frequently carry full loads, operate on rough roads or in high-temperature environments, recommend reducing to 40,000km. Replace immediately when experiencing: driveshaft noise, increased cab vibration, rubber cushion cracking, or bearing heating above 80°C.
A: Not recommended. The 2202D-084 series housing, rubber cushion, and spherical bushing are designed as an integrated unit, with bearing model, clearance group, and lubricating grease type all validated. Replacing bearing alone may cause insufficient mating precision or shortened lifespan. Huami’s assembly comes pre-assembled and dynamically balanced, ready for direct installation.
A: First check if installation torque meets specs (M10 bolts 45N·m), second confirm if driveshaft universal joint flange installation aligned with pre-removal marks. If these are correct, possible causes are driveshaft dynamic imbalance or universal joint wear, recommend professional shop for dynamic balance testing.
A: We manufacture per Mercedes OE technical specifications, materials and dimensions identical to original, and IATF 16949 certified. Advantages include: ①Price 30-40% lower than original; ②Short delivery time (7-15 days vs 2-3 months original); ③Can customize material-enhanced versions per customer conditions; ④Provide multilingual technical support.
A: Theoretically yes, but not recommended. When rubber cushion ages, bearing typically also worn (lubricating grease failed, raceway pitting). Replacing cushion alone, if bearing fails soon after, requires driveshaft removal again, labor costs actually higher. We recommend replacing complete assembly to ensure overall performance.
A: Early (pre-1990) support bearing housings may lack laser-engraved OE numbers, only identification on packaging box. In such cases, recommend measuring critical dimensions (mounting hole distance, bearing bore, spherical bushing bore) and taking photos for our technical team, accurate selection provided within 15 minutes.
A: Please provide: ①Model and chassis number (VIN code); ②Production year; ③Driveshaft length (optional); ④Special condition notes (e.g., heavy-duty/high-temp/mining). Old part photos and dimension measurement data more accurate. Send information via email (export@huamixincai.com) or WhatsApp.
A: Global shipping supported. We have Customs AEO Advanced Certification, can provide Certificate of Origin (CO), quality test reports, packing lists, complete customs clearance documentation. Common shipping methods: ①Express (DHL/FedEx, 3-5 days); ②Ocean LCL (Tianjin Port, 15-30 days); ③Rail transport (Europe direction, 20-25 days).
A: Yes. Purchase quantity ≥500 pieces receive 20% discount, ≥1000 pieces receive 25% discount, ≥5000 pieces can negotiate separately. We also support VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory) service, establish transit warehouse in customer’s country for high-annual-volume buyers, ensuring 48-hour emergency supply.
