Synthetic Outer Bearing

[twinlakemike]

I just got done servicing my aatv. I have been running the "adair Synthetic Outer Bearing" I run them doubled up on all my axles. After one year of running them I see no wear on them at all. the only reason I run them doubled up is so I get an axle extension like set up. The Synthetic Outer Bearings are a winner in my book.

[Dave47631]

How much do they cost? I was thinking of putting them on my argo response rear axles.

[trevorakm1]

I have been toying with this idea since first seeing them. How did you stack them? I mean did you put a cork gasket in between?. Are you running a standard bearing also and if so did you have to modify the outer synthetic bearing to allow for the standard bearing and the bearing flange? Any pics.

[twinlakemike]

I have no idea what they get for them, you will have to call Adair and ask them. I got mine when I bought new bearings for my machine. I just used a little gasket sealer between the two Synthetic Outer Bearings. I think I had to clean up the ID edge of the outer bearing with a die grinder no big deal.

[trevorakm1]

Thanks for the info. the sealing I can get past more curious as to being able to still use the traditional bearing in addition. I figures there would have to be some material removal tho seat a traditional bearing just wasn't sure how much but seems easy enough. My thought was the same as dave47631 an poorman's bearing extension.

Thanks

[guyvapeur]

Twinlakemike....I would like to add to this thread. There are a few threads on this forum that talk about the synthetic bearings. These uhmw bushings or bearings have been around for some time and it seems that there are very positive findings after using the materials in all kinds of application. I am thinking of conveyor belts, bushings on big shovels, guides for tracks and many more. Your endorsement, adds to these findings.
Based on my search of this site, we have Adair who is supplying the disks to be stacked up into a 4.5. in. extension. There is also another blog that shows how to machine up the extensions out of 5 in. stock.
Sealing the assembly now seems to be a question. Some use the existing bearing housing to hold existing seals.
In searching the internet, I have come upon teflon V PACKINGS that are used in industry. I am toying with the idea of making extensions for my Response from bar stock. I am thinking of machining uhmw fittings that would hold the packing in place. A boat propeller stuffing box is what I am thinking of. At 2-3 dollars a unit, a good seal should be possible.

[Noel Woods]

I utilized my Adair synthetic bearings on the axles alone. Mine had grease zerks built in and when I installed them originally I greased them down, there was no sealing compound used. The synthetic bearings were pressed into the axles and it was a super tight fit. I believe the fitment itself acts as a seal as the UHMW fit extremely tight on my splined axles, so tight in fact that it would be hard to move them when set. For those working with a standard non splined axle, I do agree that a synthetic bearing might be better used as an axle support and used with a standard bearing for good measure.

[Buzz]

The only place that really needs to be sealed is against the outside of the machine where the first UHMW bushing is placed directly against the HDPE argo body. The center axle hole that is machined into the UHMW bushings is a tight fit (as others have mentioned). The 4 corner holes are also pretty tight, and a neoprene washer under the head of the bolts is added for good measure.
It's just the surface area of the UHMW bushing (or in a normal set up - a bearing flange itself) that needs to have a gasket(s) to seal it against the argo body. The main goal is to keep water from leaking directly into the large hole that is cut into the argo body, and I suppose into the bolt holes in this location as well.
I think you could even get away with stacking several UHMW bushings together and not even putting additional gaskets between them...all the holes are such a good fit. It's just the gasket (or RTV or whatever you use)- directly against the body that's crucial.
I guess sealing of a bearing itself for contamination purposes is a factor. I guess either you use one that is sealed already, or you use a greaseable flange. If you do this, just add an adapter plate with an additional gasket behind it to the outside of the UHMW bushing and use an existing flange set up + longer bolts.
The UHMW bushing is great because it does act like a bearing extension when used with a real bearing. Because it shares the same flange holes that bolt to the frame, it will also continue to support the axle in the event your outer bearing gets sloppy.

[SHOTGUN]

Does anyone actually just use the syn. bearing to replace the existing ones? I have been kinda interested in the use of these but I see more people using them stacked or added to an original bearing for more support.

[msafi65]

I'm going to replace the stock bearings on buffalo truck with two plastic ones. Will install grease zerks to flush out dirt. Also going to install standard Argo outer seal between them for water seal. Decided not to install bearings because of problems lubing bearing and sealing to tub over flanges. I've used split ones to make a set of removable bearing cages.