An igus igubal spherical bearing has been used as a direct replacement for a steel bearing in an aftermarket automotive quickshift gear lever fitted to a modified MG Midget.
A customer of igus owns an MG Midget that the previous owner modified with a 1.4-litre K series engine from a Rover 214, a five-speed Ford Sierra gearbox and various chassis upgrades. Together with the gearbox, an aftermarket quickshift gear lever had been fitted to improve the gearchange. Unfortunately, after about 10 years' use, the spherical bearing at the base of the quickshift had worn, resulting in an annoying rattle and a less precise gearchange.
The current owner, aware of igus engineered polymer plain bearings, thought that an igubal spherical bearing would an economical, lightweight, wear-resistant and maintenance-free alternative that might also have the advantage of damping some of the vibration that is inevitably transmitted from gearbox to gear lever.
With the igus bearing installed, the owner reports that the gearchange is smoother, the rattle has been eliminated, the bearing will never need relubricating and, although only a minor point for a roadgoing car, the igus bearing saves approximately 44g in weight (16g compared with 60g for the original steel item).
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51A Caswell Road
Brackmills
Northampton
NN4 7PW
UNITED KINGDOM
+44 (0)1604 677240