Originally Posted by
fyrstormer
Ceramic bearings work just fine without lubrication. It is impossible for the ceramic balls to gall against the bearing races, the way steel balls can. The bearing will wear faster without lubrication, but that's okay because the other parts of the clutch will need servicing long before a ceramic bearing wears out. I have been using ceramic bearings with stainless-steel races in my clutches for years, with no lubrication, and I haven't had to replace a single bearing yet.
Replacing bearings after every race is an incredible waste of resources, and money as well, but it's your money to waste if you want to.
So tell me, you have experience with 1/8 GP cars with an axial type clutch and high modified engines? Last you did a math on the RPM on your RS4 engine, those are numbers where with us clutches are engaging.
Yes, ceramics can withstand moments w/o lubrication much better but not too long. And you think a 25 cent steel bearing is a waste of money? If you want a real good ceramic bearing then do not buy thos cheap crappy Chineese sh*t most RC bearing "manufacturers" (they are more like resellers) sells. You should buy a good bearing from a good company like SKF, INA etc. then you will see there are good ceramics for sadly a high price. Believe me, a simple cheap throw away bearing that holds for sure 2 or even 3 races is much cheaper.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/100-pcs-5x1...MAAOSw9N1VkLwh
(in euro's 25 cent a bearing)
Also people are not aware of the rpm load of the bearings in a clutch. People forget that after engaging the bearings are standing still, so above 30.000 rpm they are not rotating anymore. That also counts for the thrust bearing. People think my ball less solution does not work due the friction.but the only moment that it acts as a bearing is during the engage, at the same moment the shoe is makig a slip contact with the clutch bell so any slip/friction in the thrust bearing does not matter.