I did a search and couldn't find any specific topic about it, so I thought I'd throw this idea out and see if anyone has tried it.

I'm starting to get a little play in the front end bushings of my Banshee and was wondering if anyone has every made or used any bushings made of teflon instead of the stock ones? If so, how well did they work and last?

Thanks

 

With my limited experience with Teflon(aircraft type stuff), I think that it would be too soft to use in that application. The amount of force that is applied to the relatively small surface area(a portion of the diameter of the bolt), I think that the Teflon would be too soft. Teflon works great in sliding situations, like a latch that has to travel up a ramp to latch secure. Teflon stock doesn't come cheap, although it is extremely easy to machine, but that ease of machining gives a clue to it's hardness.

Two polished surfaces with a lubricant is extremely slippery, and the polishing itself strengthens the base material in that application(it's a long explanation so I'll spare ya that). How much is to be gained in using Teflon in that application? While I think the thought is well founded, it becomes null when you throw in simply the shock itself is a massive friction-like device(oil forced thru small orfices thereby providing dampning).

 

Thanks for responding.

The reason that I asked is because I use it a work quite often, but in a different application. I work at a turbine engine shop that utilizes about every type of machining operation that you can imagine, from surface grinders to EDM, from Electro Stream Drilling to Laser cutting, welding and drilling. Anyway, I run the Laser machines now and we use the Teflon to deflect the laser beam in order to limit overdrills and such. I wasn't thinking so much about the hardness of it as I was the heat and abbrasion resistance of it. Also, I was thinking about the Poly- bushings that they sell for vehicle suspensions and thought that the Teflon would be at least as durable.

So you think that it would probably end up deforming under load? I guess you may be correct, but I think it would make an interesting test.

 

Bash, I don't know about Teflon bushings but T.M.Designworks makes bushings out of hard black OR white plastic that are extremely durable. I've had mine for about two years and they are NICE. T.M.'s phone # is 1-541-535-1612. If you call them they will send you a free catalog.