Comparing the life-wear of steel on PTFE and steel on steel bearings in tie rod ends

PERFORMANCE OF PTFE IN TIE ROD ENDS

Abstract

This study has aimed to design and manufacture a new type of steel/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bearing to replace the traditional steel/steel bearing used in tie rod ends. The study has focused on investigating the life-wear test and mechanical resistance of the new steel/PTFE bearing type at tie rod ends. For this purpose, rotational torque tests, backlash (collapse) tests, pull-out tests, push-out tests, and life-wear tests have been carried out. The obtained values were compared with the life-wear and durability values of tie rod ends using steel/steel bearings. After life-wear tests on both types of bearings, backlash values increased and torque values decreased. The backlash values for the steel/PTFE bearing type (0.05–0.07 mm) are significantly lower than that for the steel/steel bearing (0.35 mm). The new type of steel/PTFE bearing is more durable and has a longer lifetime in terms of test results compared to steel/steel bearings.