Dana Inc. announced its Spicer Dura-Tune center bearing, which is immediately available on standard Spicer SPL driveshafts and heavy-duty Spicer 10 Series driveshafts. The new center bearing is engineered for durability and tuned to provide powertrain vibration isolation and dampening for reduced driver fatigue and improved vehicle satisfaction, according to the manufacturer. The unveiling was one of several new product launches made at the 2019 Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) Annual Meeting & Transportation Technology Exhibition.

The new Dura-Tune center bearing addresses noise, vibration, and harshness levels associated with the significantly higher drivetrain torque stresses and unique vibration frequencies created by engine downspeeding and chassis light weighting. Its patented design helps to ensure proper installation and alignment throughout the life of the vehicle, delivering a more consistent ride while promoting drivetrain longevity, Dana stated. The new design also provides a more user-friendly installation, further reducing the possibility of future alignment-based issues.

“The center bearing is what holds the driveshaft in place,” said Steve Slesinski, director of global product planning for Dana’s Commercial Vehicle Group. “We’ve resigned it to provide proper alignment and dampening. We designed it in collaboration with key people at our OEM customers … to make sure it met the needs of the market going forward.”

The universal design of the Dura-Tune allows for the replacement of current standard SPL and heavy-duty Spicer 10 Series center bearing assemblies – as well as competitive products – and is available for retrofitting or as a replacement part through Dana’s aftermarket business.