​​Transmission Bushing: What It Does And Why You Need To Keep An Eye On This Component

You must keep an eye on several parts of your vehicle, but none more so than the transmission. If it is not working correctly, it can cause major damage to your engine and cost you a lot of money at the mechanic. However, there are some things that you can do to avoid this costly scenario — including paying attention to when your bushing needs replacement.

The term “bushing” can be referred to by some other names, just like other parts used in the transmission industry. Many of us refer to what is known as a bushing as a plain bearing, sliding bearing, solid bearing, or friction bearing.

Like bearings, bushings are employed in different industries and have been around longer than automobiles. Bushings are the most affordable type of bearing currently in use since they are small, lightweight, have great load-carrying capacity, and are compact. If a bushing is put into a housing or bore to provide a surface for a spinning shaft, it will function as a bearing.

What Transmission Bushing Do

A transmission bushing is a crucial component in your car’s transmission system. It helps keep the gears in place and ensures smooth transmission operation. Over time, however, these bushings can wear down and need to be replaced.

If you notice any strange noises coming from your car’s transmission or the gears seem to slip, it could be a sign that your transmission bushings are worn out. Sometimes, you may even see metal shavings around the bushing area.

Replacing your transmission bushings is not difficult, but ensuring that you get the correct ones for your car is important.

Why Use Bushings Rather Than Bearings?

Although bushings and bearings provide comparable purposes, bushings are frequently preferred to bearings for the following reasons:

• Lower price
• Lighter structure
• Less vulnerable to harm
• Permit the weight to be dispersed across more ground

In terms of costs, bushings have a few benefits. The price of bearings can be up to 400% higher than that of bushings, and the cost of the tooling required to make bearings can be up to 75% higher. In addition to being typically 50% lighter than other types of bearings, bushings are also less vulnerable to damage from shock loads, which can cause bearing failure. Additionally, it can accommodate larger shaft misalignment. Compared to bearings, bushings enable a greater distribution of weight.

Common Bushing Components

Bushings are available in a wide range of materials, including as bronze, cast iron, steel-backed babbitt, and plastic. The kind of material used for a bushing often depends on the application. Both low- and high-speed applications benefit from the durability of bronze. Steel-backed babbitt, which is frequently less expensive than bronze, has a high load capacity, outstanding fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Typical Bushing Characteristics

Transmission bushings frequently have a few common traits that improve their functionality. Coatings applied using a technique called thermal spraying can increase heat resistance while lowering wear, corrosion, and abrasion. The surface that comes into touch with the shaft is coated with these materials. Certain bushings further feature groves, channels, or holes to allow the lubrication to flow freely. Indents may also be applied to the surface to keep oil in the bushing.

Common Damage Types

Like any other transmission part, bushings are frequently vulnerable to various kinds of harm. More particularly, lubrication problems can cause bushings to score and pit.

Lubricant cavitation, which happens when pressure abruptly drops below the vapor pressure and creates bubbles or voids in the fluid, typically causes pitting damage. These bubbles burst when the pressure builds up once more, sending shockwaves that gradually harm the bushing.

The breakdown of the lubricating barrier results in scoring. When this barrier fails, the shaft and bushing come into high-speed contact with one another and sustain damage.

Installation of The Transmission Bushing

When installing the component, it is crucial to utilize the right transmission bushing driver. Some technicians press the bushing into place, while others use a press to install it. In most cases, pressing is the ideal technique because it lessens the possibility of component damage.

Is your client’s automatic transmission not working properly?

GFX has been assisting auto repair shops in keeping their customers’ vehicles running longer for nearly 6 decades. We understand that repairing automatic transmissions for your customers is a difficult task that must be completed correctly. You can be confident that our parts are under the hoods of many cars all over the world, enduring the heat, resistance, and wear that transmissions endure with regular use.

Need durable aftermarket parts? Choose a company that specializes in transmission rebuilds. Contact us at +1(305) 499–9789. We are available from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.