Challenger^TM Journal Bearing Features - For sizes up to 13 ¾”

Advanced Cutting Structures

All bearing surfaces feature precision, silver-plated floating elements between the cone and head-bearing surfaces. These floating elements reduce bearing heat generation and prolong bearing life at higher rotary speeds.

Forged Teeth

Hard metal inlays are weld-applied and precision-machined to provide superior bearing performance by reducing friction and wear.

Advanced Shirttail Contouring

The Challenger bearing features ball retention, designed to retain the cone without carrying bit weight. This prevents ball race spalling failures and extends bearing life.

Gage Protection

Challenger bearings utilize a thermally stable EP lubricant formulated to work synergistically with the bearing materials. The lubricant maintains high relative viscosity even when the bearings are subject to extreme energy levels in demanding applications.

Premium Hardfacing

Challenger bits feature an innovative, stepped shale burn insert. This stepped design is more effective in diverting cuttings away from the seal, prolonging seal life.

Diamond Enhanced Back Row (D feature)*

The Challenger seal design provides positive sealing against contaminates with lower seal face contact stresses. This reduces the seal operating temperature and extends seal life.

Center Jet Nozzle (J feature)**

During assembly, components are selectively matched so that final bearing clearances are within a narrow, controlled range. This practice dramatically improves bearing performance and bit consistency.