Rod end bearing

A rod end bearing is a common type of mechanical joint used on the ends of control rods. The steering columns in most cars, trucks and other vehicles, for example, feature tie rods with a rod end bearing. Of course, tie rods are designed to connect a vehicle's steering rack to its steering knuckle. As a result, tie rods must be able to rotate according to the direction in which the wheel is turned. Rod end bearings allow tie rods to perform this rotation in a precise and controlled manner.

Rod end bearings differ in terms of dimensional specifications and special features. Dimensional specifications include design units, bore diameter, major diameter, bearing thickness, housing diameter, overall length, and thread length. English design units include inches (in) and fractions of an inch. Metric design units include millimeters (mm) and centimeters (cm). Bore diameter is the inner diameter (ID) of the bearing bore. Major diameter is the nominal diameter to the top of the threads. Bearing thickness is the length through the bore. Housing diameter is the outside diameter (OD) of the bearing housing. Overall length is the distance from the top of the housing to the end of the shank. In terms of special features, some rod end bearings are self-lubricating or include a lubrication port. Others are corrosion-resistant or equipped with PTFE seals.