ConMet this year is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its PreSet wheel-end technology. Since its debut in 1995, the PreSet family of hubs has helped redefined the heavy-duty wheel end, delivering exceptional reliability, safety, and efficiency for Class 8 trucks.
From PreSet to PreSet Plus
The story of PreSet technology began with ConMet’s mission to solve the complexities of manual wheel-end assembly. At the time, OEMs sourced wheel-end components from different suppliers and assembled them in house, a complicated and time-consuming process that often led to lower-than-expected longevity, ConMet said.
ConMet changed that in 1995 by introducing PreSet, the first pre-assembled wheel end in the industry. PreSet provided all ConMet components in a single unit, pre-adjusted to exact specifications. PreSet eliminated guesswork for OEMs and set a new standard for safety and ease for use in Class 8 trucks and trailers.
This product paved the way for the PreSet Plus hub assembly, launched in 2011. Where PreSet simplified the wheel-end assembly process, PreSet Plus introduced an integrated spindle nut and induction-hardened spacers, providing sustained clamp load longer than other products on the market. The new pre-assembled wheel end further simplified installation and enhanced durability.
“PreSet Plus represented a significant advancement in wheel end technology,” Brian Rieger, ConMet vice president of sales, said in a news release. “One of the key breakthroughs was the ability to provide manufacturers and fleets with a solution that not only enhanced long-term reliability but also addressed real-world challenges like maintaining optimal clamp load under the most demanding conditions.
“This ensured safer, more efficient operations for our customers.”
PreSet and PreSet Plus hubs have become a trusted choice of leading OEMs and fleets across North America. Today, more than 40 million PreSet and PreSet Plus hubs have been installed, collectively logging an estimated 31 trillion miles on the road, proving the product’s robust quality and reliability.
The PreSet advantage
For OEMs, PreSet Plus hubs streamline manufacturing processes by delivering fully pre-assembled, line-sequenced wheel ends directly to them. This eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly and reduces the risk of component damage or contamination on the production line.
The integrated spindle nut design ensures all components are securely held together, improving reliability and simplifying installation. These efficiencies allow OEMs to accelerate production timelines while maintaining the highest quality standards.
For the aftermarket, preassembled PreSet and PreSet Plus hubs offer significant benefits by simplifying the decision between replacing and rebuilding. Replacing a worn hub with a pre-assembled PreSet hub takes less time than rebuilding a conventional hub. This not only reduces service complexity and downtime but also lowers the total cost of ownership for fleets.
PreSet hubs also provide versatility for the aftermarket. They are available for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, in both iron and aluminum, with drum and disc brakes, for use in all tractor and trailer axle positions. This product breadth ensures distributors can meet the diverse needs of their customers while maintaining a reliable and proven solution.
PreSet hubs: A vertically integrated solution
ConMet’s PreSet and PreSet Plus wheel ends benefit from a vertically integrated design and manufacturing process that ensures elite quality, precision, and availability, ConMet concluded.
- Vertical integration: All critical components, including hub castings, bearings, seals, spindle nuts, and spacers, are designed and engineered in-house and manufactured to the highest quality standards. This guarantees compatibility and reliability throughout the entire system, and a single warranty program that covers all components.
- Tight manufacturing tolerances: Precision design and tolerancing of critical components ensures consistent end play every time, reducing the risk of premature component failure and enhancing overall system performance.
These factors are a cornerstone of ConMet’s commitment to delivering durable, efficient, and reliable wheel-end solutions that meet the rigorous demands of the heavy-duty industry.
“When we introduced PreSet and later PreSet Plus wheel ends, we reinforced our ability to anticipate industry needs and provide forward-thinking solutions,” said Bryan Williams, ConMet senior vice president of engineering and technology. “As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to shaping the future of wheel-end technology with the same passion and innovation that brought us to this point.”