Simply put, they are high quality tapered bearings, with mirror-smooth rollers and races that are coated with MicroBlue®, the coating that changes the way lubricants work. As with all our other bearings, these are no imports, we don't play that game. The result is an performance improvement that's anything but subtle.

Quite honestly, a lot. Through the years, we have been given a great deal of bearing test data. And we don't have a problem saying that, however or whatever testing is done, you can expect a performance improvement in spin-down time on the order of 20-25% over un-coated tapered bearings.

Nobody has ever told us they have ever worn out any of our bearings. That's not to say it hasn't happened, but rest assured that you can expect an increase in life many times that of a conventional bearing. The reason is that under load, surface contact is all but eliminated. So as we're fond of saying, "if you don't touch, you can't wear". Naturally, you will realize substantial decreases in operating temperatures.

From a practical standpoint, no. Ceramics are limited to balls. Yes, there are a few companies that can produce a ceramic roller, but most of us cannot afford to spend $1000.00 for a $25.00 bearing. As far as other options, the ball version of tapered bearings are called angular contacts. They have offset ball races that allow it to handle side loads. However, there are very few "drop-in" replacements for tapers available, so it's best to call us for more information.

MicroBlue improves the wetting properties of any lubricant, both petroleum and synthetic. Two important benefits you'll realize is that you can use less lubricant volume and you will have much more leeway as far as viscosity goes.

Remember, the only thing you have that keeps loaded surfaces from touching is viscosity. People tell us that have reduced viscosities by 25% with no problems.

MicroBlue® is compatible with all lubricants, both petroleum and synthetic.