Has anyone used a bronze bushing in place of the needle bearing? I am thinking of making one out of bronze bushing stock. What do you think?

 

Really Really BAD IDEA. Bronze is much softer than harden steel. What I would like is an external grease fitting.

 

All the time, use oilite, not just bronze.

 

There are some bronze alloys that are strong and hard. Some are heat treatable and as strong as some hardened steels. Most bronze alloys provide low friction/wear and have good fatigue resistance which is useful for bearings. Choosing a suitable material is only part of engineering and testing a new pilot bearing though.

http://www.onlinemetals.com/bronzeguide.cfm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bronze

 

Why? the oem available from mazda works just fine.

 

I ordered a piece of 932 bearing bronze that has tensile strength of 35,000psi and brinell hardness of 65. I think .002 to .003 clearance would work I"m not sure of the type of grease to use I have never seize compound in mind. Does anyone have better suggestions. I don"t have enough posts to pm. If anyone would like to speak with me please leave a phone #. Thanks

 

Wondered about this same idea before...
Consulted an ME about this, and it's a step backwards.
The needle bearing is superior to any kind of bushing for this application.
I used to be paranoid about the stock pilot bearing, since I've broken them before.
Yes, the stock pilot bearing can be fragile.
Since I figured out how to stop damaging them on installs, I have no worries now.


-Ted