What is a Thrust Washer?
A thrust bearing is a particular type of rotary bearing. Like other bearings they permanently rotate between parts, but they are designed to support a predominantly axial load. Thrust bearings come in several varieties.
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What is the best material for a thrust washer?
Commonly made from steel, bronze, or rubber, plastic thrust washers offer the same durability and a longer life than metal alternatives, with less maintenance required.
Plastic thrust washers are ideal for an average weight load at low speeds and are more cost effective than thrust washers made from other materials.
What causes thrust washer failure?
The three most common causes of thrust bearing failure are contaminants, misalignment, and overloading.
What materials are used in thrust washers?
Thrust washers are used as a bearing surface for rotary applications. They are usually made of steel, bronze, plastic, or other materials with low friction coefficients.
How many thrust washers are in an engine?
Production began in the mid-1980’s with a four-piece thrust washer system. It was later changed to a two- piece thrust washer system for most of the engines built, and has returned to a four-piece thrust washer system in recent production.
How are thrust washers made?
Thrust washers can be made from steel in combination with different hardening treatments, but also of bronze, polymers or other low friction materials.
Attention needs to be drawn to avoid materials which act as solid lubricants but are classified as pollutant or hazardous materials such as lead and copper.
What do thrust washers prevent?
The thrust washers prevent the radius of the crankshaft journals from harming the main bearing outer edges that can cause bearings and engine failure. The thrust washers prevent crankshaft counterweights from striking the cylinder block.