What exactly are rubber bushings? A bushing is a vibration isolator that serves as an interface between two parts and as a buffer, absorbs some of the energy produced by the interaction of those two parts. It separates two parts while allowing a limited amount of movement, thus minimizing vibration, shock and even noise. They can also provide flexible solutions for misalignment problems, inherent in most mechanical designs. Manufacturers Rubber & Supply carries a wide variety of rubber bushings for all your home and business needs. Below we discuss how bushings are used, what to check for when buying them online, and how to store your bushings for longer use.
Rubber bushings are widely used in the production of vehicles. Typically, they are found in anti-roll bars, shock absorber mountings, double wishbone suspensions, gear sticks and in the internal combustion engines of some cars. Bushings are also used to protect wires, lines, tubing and piping from metals walls. In skateboards, bushings enable the tilting of the trucks, allowing the board to turn. Bushings can also be found in power plant steam turbines and low-speed shafting applications, such as ship propeller shafts.
When it’s time to purchase your rubber bushings, here are some tips to remember:
Know What You Need About Rubber Bushings
Different applications call for different types of bushings of all shapes, sizes, and features. Before you make that all-important purchase, be aware of the insulated device’s variety. This will not only help you choose the right bushing with the right material but also save you money.
Shop Online and Buy in Bulk
Don’t let your local hardware store’s minimal selection pigeonhole you into settling for a bushing that you ultimately can’t use. Shop online for the maximum variety that this device has to offer. You can even save money with online deals, or by buying bushings in bulk. Most sites also offer free or discounted delivery, right to your door. To learn more about the benefits of ordering your products online, check out our last post.
Check the Specifications Thoroughly
As mentioned above, every type of bushing will come with different features. Before you make your final purchase, you will want to go over the features as well as specifications listed on the company’s page. You don’t want to have to return products that do not fit your project.
Storage and Maintenance
Storage of your bushing is just as important as buying the right device. It would be a shame to purchase the right product and then expose it to potential damage with poor storage. To be safe, always read the manufacturer’s instructions for proper storage and follow them to the letter.
In general, always keep the bushing in areas where it will not acquire mechanical damage. For high-voltage bushing types like liquid- or plastic-filled bushing, you will need to store them in an upright position, because horizontal positioning could create air bubbles into the filler insulation. Be sure to always inspect your bushing for damages before using them to avoid problems later on.
You should remove all dust, grease, oil or particles of packaging from the bushing with a clean, dry cloth. The lower end and flange especially should be wiped clean to prevent contamination of transformer oil. These tips will not only prolong the life of your rubber bushings, but also the life of your project.
