Thrust washer

[uptick]

Hi,
I was wondering if I can use a regular washer (good material) in place of a thrust washer for shaft end play. Can anyone explain why & whynot? Thanks,

 

[JJPellin]

You are going to need to define what you mean by thrust washer. The definition is used differently by different manufacturers. What type of equipment? What type of thrust bearing? What configuration of thrust washer? What service conditions? What lubrication method? What are the speeds and loads?

Johnny Pellin

 

[electricpete]

Often there is some kind of wavey washer used to preload the bearings - for example in smaller induction motor with inboard bearing fixed and outboard bearing floating...washer pushes against outer ring of floating bearing. It is supposed to accomodate some thermal change without a dramatic change in preload (assumes loose enough housing fit that friction between outer ring outer surface and housing does not lock the bearing in position). A hardened flatwasher would be stiffer and would not accomplish the same function.

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[JJPellin]

In Sundyne pumps with gearboxes, they use the term thrust washer for the hydrodynamic thrust bearing that restricts axial movement of the high speed shaft assembly. In the current design, this washer is manufactured from a particular grade of bearing bronze and no other material should be substituted.

Johnny Pellin

 

[uptick]

Great post! Thanks guys.