10 replies to this topic

[swodem]

So 3/32x3/16 flanged Ball bearings are easily available on Aliexpress for around USD0.50ea if you buy 50-100pcs, and often that includes ChinaPost shipping to your door (around 3 weeks).

 

Tell me again why we persevere with oilites or bronze bushings, generally much dearer?

 

 

[havlicek]

Sintered metal oilites seem like a good choice when a motor is going to be used-and-tossed Steve, and not all oilites are the same.  Oilites should be fairly snug-fitting, and once broken-in should make for a very smooth-running motor.  Then too, the composition of the metal varies.  Some oilites are made from a magnetic composition, so I would guess there's some iron content (*I doubt there's nickle in there!), and those should last longer than the brass/bronze ones.  You can tell which is which by cleaning them and you'll see a slightly different color, but both types are generally a "yellow" metal color.  Many oilites are very short today, and that shorter bearing-length probably cuts down the useful wear-life, but I don't know that there are many alternatives.

Inexpensive bearings are affordable for sure today, but of course all bearings are not created equal.  I DO think that the inexpensive ones make sense on a lot of motors, but the "disposable" motors are already sold at such low margins, it's hard to see anyone offering them with a bearing of any kind and being rewarded by "the marketplace" (such as it is).  

[Samiam]

Only reason I can think of for not allowing axle BBs is they require some skill and care when installing. Oilites are much easier to install properly for the less experienced racer.

[Rob Voska]

Wall shots by beginners blow bearings apart.

[wbugenis]

"Tell me again why we persevere with oilites or bronze bushings, generally much dearer?"

 

Motor Oilites   (2x5 mm) need not be more expensive.  I have excellent oilites (John uses them)  that cost much less than bearings.

 

I would go with a bearing on the gear side, but for ceramic magnet motors not needed on the endbell side.

 

Have you dealer contact me or PM me yourself. 

[Eddie Fleming]

I think the original question was in relation to racing classes that do not allow bearings in chassis. Motors parts were not the question he ask.

 

As I see it.

[havlicek]

I think the original question was in relation to racing classes that do not allow bearings in chassis. Motors parts were not the question he ask.

 

As I see it.

 

I don't really see a difference.  Whether it's on a chassis or a motor, there are still good economic reasons to consider oilites.  As to why they (bearings) aren't allowed in some classes, I have to assume there are good reasons, but I can't think of any offhand.  Allowing bearings doesn't have to mean the cost/investment part of the equation needs to get prohibitive.

***BTW, Bill's oilites ARE really good (2mm x 5mm).  They're a nice snug fit, and seem to wear just fine.

[MSwiss]

Economic's use to be the reason, to not allow BB's.

Yes, cheap ones are now available.

But beware of what you are buying.

I bought Avid's, when they first hit the market.

About a 1/3rd of them were too tight and unusable.

I found a good vendor and sell a $4.95 a pr. set of axle BB's thru normal distributor / raceway channels.

The difference is, you know they are properly cleaned, will fit on your axle, as I check each one, and the raceway makes money.

[Phil Hackett]

Good oilites beat bad ball bearings....

[Half Fast]

...and any decent ball bearings beat good oilites

 

Cheers

[swodem]

I have bought a bunch of each of the three common sizes to try. They’re not GRW bearings but they’re not bad.

Basic tests show they operate far more smoothly than bushings, are nowhere near as sensitive to alignment issues, and of course don’t need expensive coated axles...

Less than 0.50c cents each...