Bronze bushing sizes are commonly written as inside diameter (ID) × outside diameter (OD) × length (L). These numbers describe the basic shape, but not its fit with the shaft and housing. A bronze bushing size chart describes its publisher’s catalog, not the requirements of your equipment or JEDBUSHING’s custom production.
JEDBUSHING makes bronze bushings to drawings and reviewed requirements. For a custom sleeve or replacement, determine which dimensions and limits your assembly needs. The diagram below identifies the principal dimensions; the drawing must also show features and tolerances relevant to your application.
A catalog size can help compare nominal dimensions, but matching ID × OD × L alone cannot confirm the alloy, lubrication features, or fit. This is especially relevant when replacing an OEM bushing from an incomplete size reference.
How to Specify ID, OD, Length and Wall Thickness
Write the main dimensions as ID × OD × L and state whether the drawing uses millimeters or inches. Check the supplier’s drawing before relying on a catalog’s dimension order.
- Inside diameter (ID): The bore through which the shaft or pin passes. State whether the specified size applies before or after installation.
- Outside diameter (OD): The cylindrical body seated in the housing bore; on flanged parts, distinguish it from the flange OD.
- Length (L): The axial distance between the sleeve ends. For flanged parts, distinguish overall length from body length.
- Wall thickness (t): For a concentric plain sleeve, nominal radial wall thickness is (OD − ID) ÷ 2. Grooves, holes, steps, or eccentricity can reduce local thickness.
For example, Ø50 mm ID × Ø60 mm OD × 40 mm L gives 5 mm nominal wall thickness. This illustrates notation; it is neither a stock size nor a recommended fit. A 50 mm shaft alone cannot establish the bushing ID because running clearance and installation must be considered.
If a sleeve carries load across a specified width, distinguish overall length from usable bearing length after chamfers or reliefs. A correct overall size can still leave too little working surface.
For a worn replacement, also record the shaft and housing bore. Wear can change the old bushing’s ID or OD; copying one measurement may reproduce the problem. See our flanged bushing measurement guide for detailed steps.
What Other Dimensions Does a Custom Bushing Need?
The three-number format describes a plain sleeve. A flanged bronze bushing also needs flange OD, flange thickness, overall length, and body length. If the flange seats against a shoulder, identify its contact face and clearance around the corner radius. See our custom flanged bushings.
For oil grooves, specify width, depth, path, and location from a stated reference. For oil holes, give diameter and position; note any required alignment with a housing oil supply. Mark chamfers, reliefs, slots, or anti-rotation details where they affect installation. “Groove as sample” leaves too much open to interpretation.
Use a section view to show internal grooves or a stepped bore. If the part needs graphite plugs or another bearing construction, identify that separately from a solid bronze sleeve.
How to Specify Tolerances on the Drawing
A nominal size gives a target; a tolerance gives acceptable limits. Specify tolerances for dimensions controlling function: typically OD, ID, length, and critical flange or feature locations. Where needed, mark roundness, concentricity, surface finish, and inspection references. Tighter tolerances everywhere can add cost without improving the fit.
If the drawing uses general tolerances, state exceptions for the seating OD, bore, and position of important oil features. Identify which dimensions the supplier must verify on the finished component.
Separate uninstalled dimensions from installed requirements. Pressing a bushing into its housing can reduce the bore; the change depends on interference, wall thickness, materials, and assembly. If an installed bore is required, state who checks or finishes it after assembly. JEDBUSHING can inspect the machined part against an agreed drawing before shipment; the installed result depends on the mating parts and process.
For fit review, provide the shaft and housing bore diameters and tolerances, plus housing material. Do not copy H7, H9, or OD limits from another supplier’s chart. ISO 4379:2024 covers specified solid copper-alloy cylindrical and flanged bushes; it does not automatically govern every custom construction. Cite any required standard and edition on the drawing.
For fit calculations, see our bronze bushing press-fit and running-clearance guide.
Send Your Custom Bushing Drawing for Review
Need a bronze bushing made to your equipment dimensions? JEDBUSHING reviews drawings for custom machined bronze parts, including sleeves and flanged bushings with grooves or holes. We can review material, casting, machining, and dimensional inspection requirements.
Send your drawing with ID, OD, length, key tolerances, shaft and housing sizes, material if known, quantity, and operating conditions. Mark uncertain dimensions for review. We can then identify what is needed to evaluate production and quote the part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a STEP model enough to request a custom bronze bushing quote?
A STEP model helps show the geometry, but it may not communicate tolerances, material, or inspection requirements. Include an annotated drawing or written specifications so those requirements can be reviewed before production.
Can one inquiry include several length options for the same ID and OD?
Yes. Label each option with a separate part number or variant code and give its required quantity. This helps us review and quote the versions without mixing their dimensions.
What if the drawing changes after the quotation?
Send the new revision and identify the changed dimensions or notes. The revised part may need another manufacturing and pricing review before production begins.
