Introduction

A German car wash equipment manufacturer became the first to offer customers Extreme Bearings as standard equipment on their conveyor systems after successful 12-month testing.

Car wash conveyor system with bearings exposed to water and chemicals

The Challenge

Car wash conveyors operate in the direct fire line for water, detergents, and dirt running off vehicles. Four bearings on two shafts move cars slowly through the wash tunnel, exposed to high-pressure water, harsh chemicals, and in winter, road salt. Traditional bearings required frequent replacement causing downtime and customer dissatisfaction.

The Solution

Extreme Bearing 60mm diameter units were installed on the ground-level conveyor pushing vehicle wheels. The cap and seal system keeps dirt and water out despite continuous exposure. Complete AISI 316 stainless steel construction resists all cleaning chemicals and salt corrosion.

Results

After 12 months of continuous operation: zero failures, zero maintenance required, perfect seal integrity despite daily chemical exposure. The manufacturer now recommends Extreme Bearings to all customers. Future expansion planned for brush mechanism bearings.

Key Takeaways

  • Daily chemical exposure requires complete stainless steel construction
  • Road salt in winter makes corrosion resistance critical
  • Extreme seal technology prevents water ingress in washdown environments
  • 12-month testing validates long-term reliability