On the markets in towns and the paths in rural areas, tricycles are common transportation and travel tools. And the 205 bearing on the rear axle half shaft of tricycles is just like the key “joint” for the operation of the axle. Although it is not eye-catching, it plays a decisive role in the performance of tricycles.

Lao Wang is a veteran vegetable farmer. Every day, he drives his agricultural tricycle to and from the vegetable fields and the market, with the vehicle fully loaded with fresh vegetables. One morning, Lao Wang started the tricycle as usual, preparing to go to the vegetable fields to pick vegetables. However, as soon as he started it, he heard a harsh “creaking” sound coming from the rear wheels, and the vehicle became extremely unsmooth when driving, with an obvious sense of stuttering.

Lao Wang was startled. He knew that there must be something wrong with the vehicle. Based on his years of driving experience, he guessed that there might be a problem with the bearing on the rear axle half shaft. So, he carefully drove the tricycle to the repair shop in the village. After listening to Lao Wang’s description, Master Li, the repairman, immediately started to check the vehicle. He lifted the rear part of the tricycle to make the rear wheels suspended in the air, then turned the wheels, carefully listened to the sound and felt the resistance when turning. Soon, he determined that the problem was with the 205 bearing.

Master Li removed the half shaft from the rear axle and carefully examined the 205 bearing. He saw that both the inner ring and the outer ring of the bearing had different degrees of wear, and there were some pits on the balls. Some of the balls were even broken. This was caused by long-term heavy loads and the bumps on the road surface, which made the bearing bear huge pressure and impact forces, resulting in its gradual damage.

Master Li explained to Lao Wang, “Uncle Wang, this 205 bearing is a key component of the rear axle of the tricycle. It’s just like the joints of the human body, enabling the half shaft to rotate smoothly and thus driving the wheels forward. Once it is damaged, the rotation of the half shaft will be blocked, and naturally the vehicle won’t be able to run normally.”

Subsequently, Master Li replaced the 205 bearing for Lao Wang. During the replacement process, Master Li also didn’t forget to remind Lao Wang, “Uncle Wang, when you load goods onto this vehicle in the future, try not to load it too full. Overloading does great harm to the bearing. And usually, pay more attention to the abnormal noises of the vehicle and regularly add lubricating oil to the bearing, which can extend the service life of the bearing.”

After replacing the bearing, Lao Wang started the tricycle again. The annoying “creaking” sound disappeared completely, and the vehicle regained its previous smoothness and stability when driving. Lao Wang happily said to Master Li, “Xiao Li, thanks to you. Your skills have really helped me a lot. If this tricycle broke down, I wouldn’t know how to transport these vegetables to the market for sale.” Master Li smiled and said, “Uncle Wang, you’re welcome. It’s all what I should do.”

In another scenario, the electric tricycle of Xiao Zhao, a courier, also had problems. He found that the rear wheels of the vehicle had an obvious wobble during the delivery process, and the power seemed to decline when driving. He sent the vehicle to the repair station for inspection. The maintenance personnel found that the 205 bearing on the rear axle half shaft of the tricycle was also loose and worn. After the meticulous repair and replacement of the bearing by the maintenance personnel, Xiao Zhao’s tricycle could shuttle quickly and stably through the streets and alleys again, delivering parcels to customers in a timely manner.

Although the 205 bearing on the rear axle half shaft of tricycles is small in size, it undertakes huge responsibilities. It silently contributes in the daily operation of tricycles, ensuring the stable driving and power transmission of the vehicles. Whether it’s an agricultural tricycle or an electric tricycle, it is an indispensable important component that requires us to pay enough attention to and maintain it, so as to ensure that tricycles can continue to serve our life and work efficiently.