Fergus
New member
I have a seized pulley which has a white metal friction bearing. I have been told not to lubricate it, just to clean and polish..
Comments?
Comments?
Steering cable pulley?
- Thread starter Fergus
- Start date
TradewindSailor
Active member
I don't understand why you should not lubricate a 'white metal' bearing ..... see the following from http://www.roymech.co.uk/Useful_Tables/Drive/Plain_Bearings.html
Quote
1) Whitemetals or Babbit Metals..
These are typically tin based (88% Sn, 4% Cu, 8% Sb, or lead based 80% Pb, 14% Sb, 6% Sn.
The materials have properties that include hardness combined with ductility, a structure that holds lubricant , little tendency to cause wear to journals, they embed dirt easily and are easily cast. The two types are generally interchangeable but the tin based ones are usually more expensive , have better wear resistance, stand higher loads and are not as brittle and are more corrosion resisting than the lead based bearings.
End quote.
If the bearings were nylon I would agree that you shouldn't lubricate them with any oil based lubricant as the nylon will swell.
Quote
1) Whitemetals or Babbit Metals..
These are typically tin based (88% Sn, 4% Cu, 8% Sb, or lead based 80% Pb, 14% Sb, 6% Sn.
The materials have properties that include hardness combined with ductility, a structure that holds lubricant , little tendency to cause wear to journals, they embed dirt easily and are easily cast. The two types are generally interchangeable but the tin based ones are usually more expensive , have better wear resistance, stand higher loads and are not as brittle and are more corrosion resisting than the lead based bearings.
End quote.
If the bearings were nylon I would agree that you shouldn't lubricate them with any oil based lubricant as the nylon will swell.
