BUSHING

An independent plain bearing, also called a bush, is inserted into a housing for rotary applications; this is the most common type of plain bearing. Bushings are commonly available in solid (sleeve and flanged), split, and clenched designs. There is no difference between a sleeve bushing, split bushing, or clenched bushing other than the interior diameter (ID), exterior diameter (OD), and length of the "sleeve". There are three types of bushings: solid sleeved, split, and clenched. A solid sleeved bushing is solid all the way around, a split bushing has a cut along its length, and a clenched bearing has a clench (or clinch) across the cut. The flange on the end of a flanged bushing extends radially outward from its outer diameter. In addition to providing a thrust bearing surface, the flange is used for positively locating the bushing when it is installed.

The SAE numbering system is almost exclusively used for sleeve bearings with inch dimensions. -XXYY-ZZ is the numbering format, where XX corresponds to the ID in sixteenths of an inch, YY to the OD in sixteenths of an inch, and ZZ to the length in eighths of an inch. It is also possible to measure in metric units.

It is more common to secure linear bushings with radial features rather than pressing them into a housing. The bushing may have two retaining rings or a ring that matches a groove on the housing molded onto the OD of the bushing. This is usually a more durable way to retain the bushing because the forces acting on the bushing could press it out.

The thrust form of a bushing is conventionally called a thrust washer.