UHMW for trailing arm bushing?

[ert01]

I am planning a new trailer build... Lightweight, bare bones flat deck utility trailer with independent suspension on airbags/shocks.

I was given a piece of UHMW that is 2" thick and I was wondering if it would be a suitable material to make my bushings out of.

Suspension design is going to follow this idea:

The trailer will see loads of 400lbs at the very most. Trailer weight is projected to be sub 250lbs.

Will UHMW work in this application or will I be better off to buy some of these:
http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com...ROD&Product_Code=BUSHDOM&Store_Code=ruffstuff

 

[eggman918]

I've had good luck with UHMW as bushings to mount my divorced transfer case they have been in service for aprox. 6 years now with no issues, but that is in a static application.
However I used a rem. from that project to make a "bushing" to quiet and smooth out my pintle hitch and it sees a lot of movement and does not have the support that your bushings
will have and it is holding up well. My only worry would be if it would be subject to "cold flow" over time and I cannot answer that.
I do like your design it should serve you well.

I just found this looks like cold flow is not an issue,check out this link it may help
http://www.hipolymers.com.ar/pdfs/gur/diseno/GUR (PE-UHMW).pdf

 

[eggman918]

If you decide to make your bushings I found that UHMW turns best with a HSS tool with 20* to 30* front and side clearance and 30* to 45* top rake on the tool bit
run it fairly fast and you can use water with some dish soap in it for cooling/lube.
Good luck and have fun!
Steve.

 

[ert01]

Yeah those bushings I linked to are nice and cheap and they have worked well for me on past projects, but I have been looking for more excuses to use my Southbend. Plus, I got a big sheet of 2" thick UHMW for free from work that I want to try working with. It's been sitting behind my shop for over a year now.

That's a good point to make them a common size. I'll keep that in mind when I start turning these out.

 

[eggman918]

When you set up to do the bushings wake two sets ti wont take that much longer that stuff cuts quick and easy.

 

[navigator]

I was thinking the same thing, make a spare set and see how fast the first set lasts. The spare set should hopefully get you home if you get in a bind. If they last a long time great, if they wear out quickly then move on to another version.