Would Delrin be any good for an idler arm bush?

wshawn · Post by **wshawn** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 12:53 am

Just as the title says really, would delrin be any good for this bush or is bronze the way to go?

It's just I've got quite a lot left after the trailing arm bushes and trailing arm centering rings have been machined and a young Aussie mechanic at the garage seems to think they have used similar stuff in the past on some cars back in Australia.

raygreenwood · Post by **raygreenwood** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:20 am

Technically...since it will be supported all around by aluminum....it should not be unsafe....meaning I have no thought that it will split or shatter.
However.... because of the nature of the load on it... a shaft with a lever attached to the end....it gets considerable side load leverage. I think it will deflect and wallow out too quickly. Bronze is the best for this.

Save your delrin. I have found TONS of uses for it. It also makes great packing along with bronze for rebuilding center links. It can make decent thrust washers for most anything. Ray

wshawn · Post by **wshawn** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:40 am

I'll stick to bronze then, thanks Ray.

helowrench · Post by **helowrench** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 5:40 am

the fiberglass reinforced delrin might take a twisting load, but not the pure delrin. pure delrin is best for mostly compression loads.

Rob

raygreenwood · Post by **raygreenwood** » Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:19 am

Yep...I agree with that. It would be worthwhile...for all of us....to find out. Machine work wise...its no more or less for bronze or delrin. You are machining the same part.
Cost should be roughly the same. It may just be down to availability at certain times. Ray