Articulating Joint Bearings

[kdlklm]

I'm building a utility vehicle that will have articulating center joint for steering. The photos show what I have now, but I don't like the design for the front part that has the downward force on the side of the bearing. I don't think they're really designed to take the load from the side. Any suggestions what I could use that is fairly cost-efficient and is more designed for that type of load. They will probably be about 1000 pounds on the joint at all times.

I'm presently using a Standard 4 Bolt Piloted Flanges Bearing for the front of the joint. That is the right-hand side of the photo.

 

[dodge85rc]

You could use a pin and Bushing set up. A little more "primitive" than a bearing but the bigger the pin the more load you can put on it.

 

[kdlklm]

I could but I would like stay with a bearing system.

 

[zzvyb6]

You need to box in the pin bracket. It will 'matchbox' if the joint gets a bending moment on it from single wheel impact loads. Yes this could 'impact' your steering/turn circle range, but that's the weakness I see...

 

[SandburRanch]

If I'm reading this correctly you are looking for a bearing that will tolerate axial thrust as well as radial thrust and probably more axial than radial. Tapered roller bearings come to mind and the front wheel bearings in older cars, pickup trucks and trailers seem to tolerate those loads well. Maybe you can determine a way to mount a wheel hub in that location.

 

[kdlklm]

If I'm reading this correctly you are looking for a bearing that will tolerate axial thrust as well as radial thrust and probably more axial than radial. Tapered roller bearings come to mind and the front wheel bearings in older cars, pickup trucks and trailers seem to tolerate those loads well. Maybe you can determine a way to mount a wheel hub in that location.

a wheel hub type system is definitely something I have thought about. And yes a tapered roller bearing might be my best option. And it should be fairly simple. Now just to find one that is designed to handle a sideload. Thanks

 

[Brad_Blazer]

You simply calculate the expected loads and select an appropriate bearing.

SKF provides detailed engineering information:
Principles of bearing selection and application - SKF.com / Products / Interactive Engineering Catalogue/Rolling bearings

And published load ratings for their bearings:
http://www.skf.com/skf/productcatal...bleName=1_14_1&presentationType=3&startnum=13

 

[mjncad]

If I'm reading this correctly you are looking for a bearing that will tolerate axial thrust as well as radial thrust and probably more axial than radial. Tapered roller bearings come to mind and the front wheel bearings in older cars, pickup trucks and trailers seem to tolerate those loads well. Maybe you can determine a way to mount a wheel hub in that location.

I was thinking tapered roller bearings too.

 

[sandman2234]

I just looked at my Steiner parts breakdown and it doesn't list it. It is a center articulating lawn tractor.
David from jax

 

[Mace Canute]

You could use a pin and Bushing set up. A little more "primitive" than a bearing but the bigger the pin the more load you can put on it.

Agreed! A pin & bushing is by far the better choice here. Bushings are an excellent support for heavy slow moving loads and have the advantage of conforming to the KISS principle...something which is not to be taken lightly.