Investigation of the effect of steel/polytetrafluoroethylene compound material application on bearing properties in tie rod end bearing

This study examines as an alternative to the steel/steel material double bearing type used in tie rod ends, a new bearing type with steel/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material structure with tie rod end body and sphere was produced and the life test and mechanical strength of this new bearing type were investigated. In order to determine the contribution of the new type of bearing to tie rod end manufacturing and assembly, life-wear test, knuckle pull-out test, knuckle cap pull-out test, rotational torque test and collapse (clearance) tests were performed. The values obtained were compared with the life-wear and strength values of the steel-steel bearing tie rod ends. Both tie rod ends were also analyzed in terms of raw material properties and dimensional dimensions. It was observed that the tie rod ends using the new steel/polytetrafluoroethylene bearing type had longer life and higher strength than the steel-steel bearing tie rod ends in terms of test results.