The bushing supports the shaft and allows it to rotate.
The bushing is the part that, in a machine, supports an axle and allows it to rotate. The term in our language comes from the Latin word buxis , which can be translated as "box" .
The bushing can be a simple element that is limited to supporting a metal cylinder or a set of pieces that make up a connection point. It can be said that the hub constitutes the end of an axle , on which the wheel center is assembled.
Bushing Uses
It is possible to find hubs in systems that have blades , blades or wheels that rotate. Fans , for example, have a bushing that provides support to the rotor . Bicycles also have hubs, whose characteristics change according to the rotation system.
In automobiles , bushings allow the connection of pivot points and different moving arms with the suspension and chassis. It is common for these bushings to have flexible materials to reduce wear, noise transmission and vibrations. At the same time, an internal tube provides protection to said flexible materials so that they do not crush.
You can distinguish between several types of bushings.
Its functions
At a general level it can be said that bushings fulfill functions in the sectors of a machine where friction of metal components occurs. Not only are they responsible for absorbing this friction, facilitating the attachment or movement of the parts, but they also minimize noise and dampen vibrations.
In the case of suspension bushings, to name a type of bushing, they provide flexibility to the moving components but retain a certain degree of hardness to guarantee control.
Other interesting information about the hub
In addition to everything stated above, we can point out another series of interesting facts about the hub:
- A wide variety of bushings can be found on the market, such as bronze ones, steel ones, split ones, babbited ones...
- If we take into account car engines, it is common for them to have bushings . These are identified by the fact that they are covered with an alloy that offers significant resistance to friction.
- It is considered that the main objective of a hub is to reduce the expenses that a person has to carry out with their vehicles, for example. And it is an economical replacement: it is cheaper to replace it than to replace other more expensive parts.
- Something essential that must be done for the hub to function properly and, furthermore, to remain in perfect condition, is to lubricate it well. And that is something that must be done with a lubricant that must be chosen taking into account factors such as pressure, working temperature, resistance to humidity and its operating speed.
- When buying a hub for a bicycle wheel, different important factors must be taken into consideration, such as thinking about whether it is a part for the front wheel or the rear wheel.