HEIM / Spherical Rod Ends PTFE NYLON Isolated Greaseable
Howdy Folks!
Getting into the project 'Planning Stages' of replacing my rod ends on my Motortrike kit. Always like getting ALL the parts before tearing into anything!!
I will be getting under there and double checking, but I am pretty sure I have 1/2-20 threaded ends on both the ladder bars and the track bar. Not sure of the RH/LH end count on the ladder bars.
The ladder bar also has a triangulation setup with... 3/8-24 ends if memory serves. (2) RH and (2) LH threaded.
The track bar is the noisiest one, one rod end is worn. Grease will silence it briefly... then it starts clacking again. Nasty sound, I swore something was wrong in the driveline for quite some time.
Practically speaking, I will buy all the ends, but replace just the track bar ends to start. I really want to see if the track bar is my primary noisemaker.
Originally I was looking for greaseable rod ends, with zerk fittings, but have not found a good source for them. I wonder if they are even needed discovering the nylon/PTFE bushed ends.
Looking at getting PTFE or Nylon insert rod ends, and boots to make regular re-greasing the ball ends a task of the past. Wont need zerks.
Found this site after much searching - [URL]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/products/spherical-rod-end-bearings[/URL]
it has been a joy to 'surf' so far, and they have a listing of what is in stock. Nice.
Looking for opinions on Nylon VS PTFE. Both seem to be available.
This is the PTFE/mild steel construction. ([URL]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/MTML-8[/URL]) States a 9494# static radial load rating.
[IMG]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/image/cache//catalog/mcp/182-500x500.jpg[/IMG]
This is the Nylon/CrMo ([URL]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/MXML-8[/URL]) States a static radial load rating of 16,223#. And the description: ""Application: Our chrome moly rod MXM rod ends are ideal for most automotive after market suspensions such as control arms, end links.""
[IMG]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/image/cache//catalog/mcp/6568-500x500.jpg[/IMG]
Only about $2 more for the nylon/CrMo . BUT.... I have learned bigger isn't always better. Are there any advantages with using PTFE over nylon for my application? Is one quieter? Are they both rated for the use I want them for? Certainly the trike is not even close to 9000#, but thats a STATIC load rating on the part.. :Shrug:
Whatever I do use, I will be protecting them with these boots - ([URL]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/RS500[/URL]) and this will result in a LONG time between rod ends needing greasing, despite me riding in torrential conditions.
[IMG]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/image/cache//catalog/mcp/511-500x500.jpg[/IMG]
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Not in a hurry to try using this on the ladder bars, but for the track bar. Thats my Noisemaker at the moment. I was very interested in this Isolated rod end. ([URL]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/MMIR-8[/URL]) But.... it shows out of stock. RH and LH Threads. And no weight/strength rating.
[IMG]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/image/cache//catalog/mcp/6812-500x500.jpg[/IMG]
Would consider this style also, ([URL]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/TBM-08R-08-150-ZC[/URL]) . I just have to see if the mounting studs on the axle/frame are that long.... they presently have spacers, need to get in there and do some research. MIGHT even work with the existing tack bar... that would be nice. I would make another track bar if I had to, not quite the difficulty of making ladder bars!!
[IMG]https://midwestcontrol.com/shop/image/cache//catalog/mcp/3759-500x500.jpg[/IMG]
Heck, the last ones I show are about twice the price (~$13 for nylon, ~$23 for the isolated) and also dont have a strength/weight rating. But a grease fitting and a polyurethane bushing... I would make a little teflon grease gun setup just for the trackbar. I have experienced the Urethane 'squeaks' in a few cars, and know the value of those zerks.
So nothing here is gonna break the bank. Just trying to figure out what is 'best'. I am going to get my shopping list together and contact the manufacturer for advice.
But riders with YEARS of experience may know things that the factory doesn't. ;)
Any Thoughts? THANK YOU ALL in advance. :wave4: