The roller bearing 6206 – BC1-3342B (former 6026) is a crankshaft bearing used on engines IAME X30 products after 2021. It replaced the classic ball bearing that was found on previous generations of this engine.
Function of bearing
The crankshaft bearing ensures the free and fluid rotation of the crankshaft inside the engine crankcase. It supports both radial loads (lateral force) and, to a lesser extent, axial loads (longitudinal force). In a karting engine like the X30, he works at very high speed, often above 16,000 laps/minute, in a warm environment and subjected to strong vibrations.
Difference between ball bearing and roller bearing
Ball bearing (former model, type 6206)
- Rolling elements are small spherical balls.
- The contact between balls and rings is point, so the contact surface is low.
- Advantages: low friction, fast rise, lower price.
- Disadvantages: less resistant to high radial loads and prolonged high-speed stresses.
Roller bearing (new model, BC1-3342B)
- The balls are replaced by cylindrical rollers, offering contact line wider.
- The bearing surface is much larger, which improves the burden-sharing.
- Benefits:
- better resistance to crushing and vibration,
- increased life under heavy load,
- superior stability of the crankshaft (less radial play).
- Disadvantages:
- a little bit more friction when starting,
- higher manufacturing cost,
- more precise installation required.
In summary, the roller bearing is more robust and adapted to the modern mechanical stresses of the X30 (power increase, high speeds, temperature). It improves the stability of the crankshaft and reduces the risk of breakage or misalignment, which justifies its higher price.
Why IAME changed after 2021
- For increasing reliability engines in competition.
- For reduce wear and tear Vilebrequin litters in the crankcase.
- For improving behaviour at high speed and limit the vibrations transmitted to the rest of the engine.
The shift to roller bearing is therefore a logical technical evolution: a ball bearing favours pure speed, while a roller bearing favours the strength and mechanical accuracy. In modern engines like the X30, this choice ensures better stability over time, especially in sustained racing conditions.