New Non-lubricated Fabric Bearing
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PRELIMINARY tests carried out with a bearing material comprised of Teflon tetrafluoroethylene fibre woven into fabric, indicate that such bearings will last the lifetime of the vehicle. Components such as steering ball-joints, seals, bushes, and so on, function without the need for a lubricant and require no maintenance.
Teflon as used in a ball-and-socket joint is double-woven with a backing of nylon or cotton. This fabric is then laminated with cotton-reinforced phenolic resin and formed into a cup which lines the socket. To prevent corrosion, the metal parts of the joint are coated with a special grease.
On assembly, the preformed bearing is moulded in place, thus ensuring perfect spherical contact between the ball stud and the bearing. The component is finally sealed.
This new joint has been developed by the American Metal Products Co., of Detroit, in conjunction with E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co., Inc., the manufacturers of Teflon.