Life span testing for wheel bearings esp. of vehicles

The testing method tests wheel bearings, whereby the conveyed dynamic force is applied via hydraulic cylinders and the test pieces are attached via their original axial components. Instead of the wheel in the original components, a slip free hydrostatic axial/radial slip bearing is used. The oil flow through the bearing is controlled, monitored and adjusted by a programmable control. The control especially cooperates with a transputer system. The system for carrying out the testing method has an adaptor for holding the test piece. It also has a hydrostatic test bearing for applying stress and hydraulic cylinders for applying force in three orthogonal directions, as well a an electric drive. The control and operation of the testing process is carried out by a computer esp. an industrial PC.