pic: Coaxial Swerve Drive Module with 2-speed Ball Drive and Nitrile Tread

[Bryce2471]

Originally Posted by Jared

I don't see how not having a thrust bearing reduces the life of the gears. It may affect the life and efficiency of the 0.375" bearing sitting above it though.

We've done something similar with our climber (3 CIMs on a 10:1 worm reduction) with the worm resting against the inner race of a normal radial bearing, and we saw no issues.

I'm not sure exactly why, it's just something I have observed. I think it could be because a thrust bearing that rests on the outer race of a radial bearing provides a wider base of support for the miter that keeps it from flexing the shaft it sits on. You're correct about it affecting the life of the bearing above that supports the gear.