I am trying to make up my mind on the type of bearing to use for my suspension rocker arms. A couple of possibilities spring to mind:

1) Simple brass bushing
2) Oilite bushes
3) Needle roller bearings
4) Some form of plastic bushing

Does anyone have any experience in this area? I would assume that they will have to take quite a high load.

Also the bearing would need to run on a hardened and ground shaft. Got any ideas where I can get some form of hollow shaft from?

Inboard suspension?

my f27 uses simple inboard coilovers and it uses a metro rear radius arm replacement bearing kit.

I think it uses one either side of the rocker arm so 4 in total?

Hope that helps.

[Edited on 28/11/03 by colmaccoll]

From experience the needle roller bearings dont last very long in prolonged use, currently looking at replacement with suitable taper bearing sets, will let u know what happens as we develop the rocker.
Shug.

I'm using spherical bearings in a tube as the pivot, with a long bolt running down the center. You can more-or-less see it here:

http://members.cox.net/kimini2003/diary3/front%20tire%20on.jpg

[Edited on 28/11/03 by kb58]

Yeah thats a good option worth looking at, especially as we have a box of them kicking about
Shug.

I'm using a hardened steel shaft with Oilites.....I'd say forget regular brass, Oilites are nearly free (cents each).....as Shug says needle rollers are ifffy....as far as plastic goes there are some with high PV ratings comparable to oilites or better, but a little pricey, but worth looking at.

Click...McMaster-Carr is a very good reference and comparison guide....

Pic here...

Thanks for the replies. I like KB's idea of using spherical bearings. I guess you need to make sure you don't side load the bearings too much when tightening the bolt. A sleeve that slips over the bolt sandwiched between the two bearings would solve this though.

Anyway, given me lots to think about.

Opps, yes, I forgot the crush tube. Just slips over the bolt between the bearings. Or you can just be careful and not tighten too much.

How about Delrin? That way, you'd never have to grease (if you get type AF that is 1/3 Teflon in composition).

Unless you can get your hands on some teak (tectona grandis), that is

Pete teak is naff Lignum vitae is far superior, it wreaked my bloody bandsaw its so tough, purple heart is not far behind it either
Shug.