When the original drawing is unavailable, an old flanged bronze bushing can provide useful dimensions for an initial replacement review. However, a worn part is not automatically an accurate model for the new one. The bore may be enlarged, the body may be distorted, and the flange may be damaged. Measure the part systematically, record the shaft and housing sizes when possible, and treat the results as preliminary until the fit and tolerances are confirmed.
How to Measure the Main Flanged Bushing Dimensions
Clean off loose oil, dirt and burrs. Check that the caliper closes to zero, use one unit throughout the record, and do not force the jaws against the bronze. A caliper is practical for preliminary measurements; tight tolerances may require other inspection equipment.
| Dimension | What it describes |
|---|---|
| ID | The bore that works with the shaft or pin |
| Body OD | The cylindrical outside surface that fits the housing bore |
| OAL | The complete axial length, including the flange |
| Body length | The distance from the underside of the flange to the opposite end |
| FLOD | The full outside diameter of the flange |
| FLTH | The axial thickness of the flange |
1. Measure the Inside Diameter (ID)
Insert the small inside jaws into the bore and keep the caliper square to the axis. Rock it gently through the diameter and record the largest stable reading. Repeat near both ends and in two perpendicular directions.
2. Measure the Body Outside Diameter (OD)
Close the large outside jaws around the cylindrical body, not the flange. Keep them perpendicular to the axis. Measure at several positions to check for taper, ovality or damage.
3. Measure the Overall and Body Length
For OAL, place the outside jaws against the body end and the outer flange face. Record body length separately from the underside of the flange. Do not rely on subtraction when the part includes a radius, recess or step.
4. Measure Flange Diameter and Thickness
Measure FLOD across opposite flange edges and repeat after rotating the part. For FLTH, place the jaws on the two flat faces near the rim, avoiding burrs and the shoulder radius.
How to Measure a Worn Bushing for Replacement
Do not use one reading from the most worn area as the target size. Compare readings at different depths and clock positions, and record both the minimum and maximum values. Unequal readings can indicate oval wear, taper, deformation or misalignment rather than the original manufactured size.
Also measure the shaft or pin and the housing bore if they are accessible. These mating dimensions help distinguish wear from the intended running clearance and housing fit. A press fit may also change the bore slightly after installation, so the loose old bushing alone may not reveal the correct finished clearance.
Photograph scoring, seizure marks, cracks, corrosion and flange distortion. If the original size still cannot be reconstructed confidently, send the sample and assembly information for joint review instead of guessing.
What Other Details Should Be Recorded?
Five main dimensions do not describe every replacement bushing. Record oil grooves, oil holes, chamfers, shoulder radii, steps, slots, keyways, mounting holes and anti-rotation features. Mark their width, depth, diameter and position whenever possible.
Add any known tolerance or fit, shaft and housing sizes, material grade, quantity and working conditions. Clear photos from the front, side and bore are useful. For a complete list beyond measurement, see the custom bronze bushing quote checklist. If you are still deciding between a straight sleeve and a flanged design, see bronze sleeve vs flanged bushings.
Need a Custom Flanged Bronze Bushing?
JEDBUSHING manufactures custom machined bronze parts, including flanged bushings made from drawings, samples or reviewed dimensions. Send the measurements, photos, mating sizes, material, quantity and operating conditions. We can identify what is still needed before quotation.
Customer measurements support the initial review; critical requirements should be confirmed on the approved drawing. Contact JEDBUSHING to discuss a replacement or OEM part.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can JEDBUSHING identify the bronze grade of an old bushing?
Appearance alone cannot identify a bronze grade. Composition testing of a sample may indicate the alloy direction, which should be reviewed with the application and original specification.
Can one replacement bushing be produced before a batch order?
A trial piece may be possible depending on alloy, size, production route and inspection requirements. Confirm the trial quantity when requesting a quote.
Should the replacement have a finished bore or machining allowance?
State whether the bore will be finished before or after installation. If your site will line-bore or finish-machine it, mark both the allowance and final size.
Can material certificates and dimensional reports be supplied?
Yes. Agreed material certificates and dimensional reports can be arranged. State the documentation requirements before quotation so they are included in the project plan.
How should an old bushing sample be packed for shipment?
Remove loose oil, protect the bore and machined surfaces, and cushion the flange. Label the sample and note its installation direction and known worn areas.