The TurboTight SF-1F Flanged Self-Lubricating Bearing (sleeve / bushing) is a dry-friction design, composite bushing featuring a solid lubricant layer made of PTFE. They are typically used to support shafts through alloy casting such as pivot point or suspension shafts on eScooter swing arms.
Self-lubricating: Requires no grease during its lifespan (maintenance-free).
Low friction: The PTFE lining yields a low coefficient of friction and smooth sliding performance without stick-slip behavior.
Protects: softer alloy casting (such as swing arms) from rapid steel shaft impact.
Comprised of three-layers (composite):
Backing (outer side): A low-carbon steel or bronze/stainless steel outer shell that gives the bearing mechanical strength and structural support.
Interlayer: A porous sintered spherical bronze layer bonded to the steel backing to provide strong thermal and mechanical anchoring.
Surface Layer (inner side): A mixture of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene/Teflon) and filler materials (often including lead or lead-free alternatives) rolled into the bronze pores to create a low-friction, wear-resistant sliding face. During operation, the PTFE layer transfers a microscopic film onto the mating shaft, making them completely maintenance-free under dry-friction conditions.
Typically required to replace end-of-life factory-fitted bearings (or retrofitted) to restore precision to matting parts, such as swing arm shafts.
Naming convention, expressed in millimeters (mm):
Long form: ID (inner bore diameter) x OD (outer diameter) x Length x Flange OD (flange outer diameter)
Short form: ID (inner bore diameter, 2 digit) x Length (typically 2 digit, 3 digit implies 3rd digit as decimal, e.g. 075 = 7.5mm)