Reducing Depth of Bronze-Backed Bushes

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

All, I need to replace the bushes in my electric gate openers. The originals have been in place for about 15 years, and are completely worn out. The latest version of the openers don’t use bushes any more, so I can’t get them from the manufacturer. The only ones I could source are 15mm deep, but the plate they will be fitted to is only 10 mm thick. They are for a 20 mm diameter spigot:

What is the best way to remove the excess 5 mm height?

I thought of clamping them around a 20 mm diameter bar with a small Jubilee clip, and then turning them to length in the lathe.

Thanks.

[mark costello 1Participant @markcostello1]

Light cuts, looks good from here.

[David JuppParticipant @davidjupp51506]

Or  https://www.bearingboys.co.uk/BX-Type-Bearings/MB2010BX-Split-Bearing-Bush-17056-p

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

If you already have the new bushes, then fit them on the 20mm bar and simply clamp them in the lathe chuck with 6 or 7 mm sticking out. Turn off the 5mm in several passes, no jubilee clips required. BearingBoys are a very good source of anything to do with bearings, I can recommend them.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Thanks both.

For the life of me I couldn’t find any 10mm deep ones. I got these from Simply Bearings. I suspeced someone would immediately find the right ones, but no big deal.

I dare say the holes in the 10mm actuator plates will be oversized by the time I’ve got rid of the corrosion, and the spigots will be worn too, so I might end up making my own anyway. Plan is to Loctite them into place and hope for the best. Thought I’d at least try to buy some and try them under the assumption that they will be better than what they are now (badly deformed and a rattle fit).

If they last another 15 years, by that time I’ll be beyond caring anyway!

Any recommendations for durable heavy-duty grease that will survive a non-sealed (and underground) application like this?

[Dr_GMJN]

On Dr_GMJN Said:

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Any recommendations for durable heavy-duty grease that will survive a non-sealed (and underground) application like this?

I’ve not used it myself, but Lear Corrosion Block Grease would seem to be an obvious choice.
I do use the liquid of the same name, as well as ACP-50 to good effect.
Lots of suppliers, I only point to this one, as it has a reasonable product description

Bill

[peak4]

On peak4 Said:

On Dr_GMJN Said:

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Any recommendations for durable heavy-duty grease that will survive a non-sealed (and underground) application like this?

I’ve not used it myself, but Lear Corrosion Block Grease would seem to be an obvious choice.
I do use the liquid of the same name, as well as ACP-50 to good effect.
Lots of suppliers, I only point to this one, as it has a reasonable product description

Bill

Thanks Bill.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

IF underground , wet and dirty, as your using plastic lined bushes I might be tempted to leave them dry on the basis that the grease will hold the abrasives as grinding paste – it was a common dilema with agricultural machines, combines etc ! It may be a good lube but what about the grit ? Noel.

[Ady1Participant @ady1]

Babbit? If all else fails.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Thanks all.

The mechsnisms are towards the top of galvanised boxes set into concrete in the ground. The boxes have drains for any water that might get into the cover plates. They are not immersed in water, but are damp. They are also not really subject to debris or dirt, but the environment within the boxes is pretty “grubby”. I think grease is essential, and I don’t think it would get too contaminated. After all, that have been working ok for 15 years; some wear is inevitable.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

If possible drill a hole on the cover plate and fit an angled, 90* or 45* grease nipple into the boss and drill through the bush so you can easily regrease . This will keep the bushes clean. Remember to make the hole big enough to be able to move the gun chuck to one side to get it off the nipple also a grommet to fill the hole afterwards ! Noel.

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

That’s a good idea Noel. I did fit some to the upper bearings when I installed the gates.  I might fit some to the lower bearing casing too. I won’t need to drill the cover – it’s only secured by 6 screws and is very easy to remove.

Thanks.

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

Probably a good use for grease is act as a low friction seal to exclude water, so ensure that the grease exudes from both ends of the bush, so don’t use too viscous a grease

Howard

[Dr_GMJN]

On Dr_GMJN Said:

On peak4 Said:

On Dr_GMJN Said:

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Any recommendations for durable heavy-duty grease that will survive a non-sealed (and underground) application like this?

I’ve not used it myself, but Lear Corrosion Block Grease would seem to be an obvious choice.
I do use the liquid of the same name, as well as ACP-50 to good effect.
Lots of suppliers, I only point to this one, as it has a reasonable product description

Bill

Thanks Bill.

I looked elsewhere online, and some descriptions of the corrosion block grease say it’s a low viscosity liquid that penetrates and stops corrosion. Others say it’s high viscosity, suitable for high pressure applications.

Anyone any experience of what it actually is, and whether it’s a lubricating grease, or a water dispersant grease?

[peak4Participant @peak4]

I looked elsewhere online, and some descriptions of the corrosion block grease say it’s a low viscosity liquid that penetrates and stops corrosion. Others say it’s high viscosity, suitable for high pressure applications.

Anyone any experience of what it actually is, and whether it’s a lubricating grease, or a water dispersant grease?

There’s two separate products, but some folks writing web sites seem to cut and paste the wrong bits into the wrong product descriptions.
ACF-50 & “Corrosion Block” fluids are similar, water dispersant and future corrosion preventatives, with the latter being higher viscosity, but I assume using the same active ingredients.

Corrosion Block grease also seems to use the same active ingredient, but in a waterproof grease base.
I’ve only used the two fluids personally.

Here’s the manufacturers page regarding the grease

Corrosion Block Grease is designed to provide maximum protection under severe conditions. Its formulation provides both high and low temperature performance, increasing the service life of critical components. Corrosion Block Grease strongly resists water wash out and provides superior protection against rust and corrosion.

Corrosion Block Grease out performs lithium and most synthetic greases and meets or exceeds requirements for NLGI Service Classification GC-LB (automotive wheel bearing and chassis lubricants), which is based on ASTM D4950 performance requirements.

Bill

[Dr_GMJNParticipant @dr_gmjn]

Thanks Bill, that explains it.

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