Bushing Guide
Everything you need to choose the right bushing — in plain language. When you're ready, the Custom Bushing Builder walks you through the same choices.
1. Bushing Types
The shape determines how the bushing is located and what loads it can carry.
Plain Sleeve
A simple straight cylindrical bushing — the most common style for radial loads.
Flanged
Sleeve with a flange collar at one end for axial location and light thrust.
Thrust Washer
Flat annular washer that carries axial (thrust) loads between surfaces.
Split / Wrapped
Roll-formed bushing with a split seam — snaps into place, no machining of the housing.
Self-Lubricating
Graphite-plugged bronze that runs dry — no external lubrication required.
2. Materials
Match the material to load, speed, temperature and environment.
| Material | Best For |
|---|---|
| SAE 841 Bronze 0.27 lb/in³ | Porous sintered bronze pre-charged with oil — the workhorse sleeve bearing. Self-lubricating for light to moderate loads. |
| SAE 660 Bronze 0.315 lb/in³ | Cast high-leaded bearing bronze with excellent embeddability — great for heavier loads and imperfect alignment. |
| C954 Al-Bronze 0.269 lb/in³ | High-strength aluminum bronze for severe duty — high loads, impact and higher temperatures. |
| Brass 0.307 lb/in³ | Free-machining brass — economical and corrosion resistant, for light loads and low speeds. |
| Steel 0.283 lb/in³ | Low-carbon or alloy steel — the strongest option, usually paired with grease or a lined interface. |
| Stainless 0.289 lb/in³ | Corrosion-resistant stainless for washdown, marine and food-grade environments. |
| Acetal 0.051 lb/in³ | Rigid, low-friction engineering plastic — quiet running, no lubrication, moisture resistant. |
| Nylon 0.042 lb/in³ | Tough and wear-resistant with good damping — absorbs shock loads and some misalignment. |
| UHMW-PE 0.034 lb/in³ | Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene — extremely low friction and outstanding abrasion resistance. |
| PTFE-lined 0.26 lb/in³ | Steel shell with a bonded PTFE liner — maintenance-free, high load, low-friction boundary service. |
3. Tolerances
How closely the finished diameters match your drawing.
- Standard — ±0.001 in / ±0.025 mm. Standard suits most general-purpose bushings; precision costs more but is needed for locators and close-fit tooling; custom tolerances are quoted by our engineers.
- Precision — ±0.0005 in / ±0.013 mm. Standard suits most general-purpose bushings; precision costs more but is needed for locators and close-fit tooling; custom tolerances are quoted by our engineers.
- Custom — Enter + / − values. Standard suits most general-purpose bushings; precision costs more but is needed for locators and close-fit tooling; custom tolerances are quoted by our engineers.
4. Fits
How the bushing seats in the housing and runs on the shaft.
Press Fit
The bushing OD is slightly larger than the housing bore — it must be pressed in and stays fixed without hardware.
Slip Fit
A close sliding fit — the bushing slides into place by hand with light resistance, for locators and changeover parts.
Running Fit
Running clearance on the ID for a rotating or sliding shaft — oil-film clearance for continuous operation.
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