Split bronze bushings are used when a one-piece sleeve cannot be installed without pulling a shaft, tearing down a machine, or removing large surrounding components. They give maintenance teams a practical way to replace a bearing surface on trapped shafts and large equipment.
Most split bronze bearing RFQs are built from a print or sample because the split style, dowel location, joint gap, and installed bore all affect performance. C93200 / SAE 660 is common for general service, while aluminum bronze and manganese bronze are often selected for heavier load.
| Quick spec | Catalog reference |
|---|---|
| Bearing type | Split sleeve bearing for radial load and service access |
| Common materials | C93200, C95400, C86300, graphite-plugged bronze |
| Split styles | Matched halves, identical halves, split-after-machining, multi-piece segments |
| Typical use case | Trapped shafts, large pivots, presses, crushers, cranes, field rebuilds |
| Size format | ID x OD x Length, plus split and retention details |
Manufacturing & Performance
Split bushings can be machined as matched halves, machined complete and split afterward, or produced as multi-piece segments for large diameters. The best method depends on bore size, wall thickness, shaft access, and whether the halves need to be interchangeable.
For precision bearing work, the installed bore is the number that matters. Joint preparation, cap loading, dowels, shims, and housing clamping can change the final ID, so many split bearings are finish-machined or inspected in a clamped condition.
Standard Tolerances
Split bronze bushings should be quoted to the drawing because the split line changes inspection requirements. These values are common reference points for machined cast bronze bearing work, but the final tolerance should specify whether it applies free-state or assembled.
| Feature | Typical reference | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ID, 3.000” and under | +/- .0010” | Best applied to assembled bore |
| ID, over 3.000” | +/- .0015” | Large split bearings may require custom inspection |
| OD, 3.000” and under | +.002” / +.003” | Confirm press fit and housing condition |
| OD, over 3.000” | +.003” / +.005” | Housing clamping can affect fit |
| Concentricity | .003” T.I.R. reference | Define inspection setup on the print |
Size & Availability
Specify split bushings as ID x OD x length, then add split style, retention method, oil grooves, bolt holes, dowel holes, and any assembly match marks. Inch and metric sizes can be machined, but split bearings are usually custom parts rather than off-the-shelf catalog sleeves.
Alternative Alloys
- C93200 SAE 660 Bearing Bronze for general split sleeve service.
- C95400 Aluminum Bronze for stronger bearing sections.
- C86300 Manganese Bronze for severe low-speed load.
- C95800 Marine Bronze for marine or corrosion-sensitive service.
Typical Applications
- Cranes, presses, crushers, mills, and gearboxes.
- Construction and mining equipment where teardown time is expensive.
- Large shaft supports, trunnions, hinge points, and rebuild work.
- Field maintenance programs that need replacement halves or segmented bearings.
RFQ Details That Speed Up Quoting
Send the drawing, photos of the old bearing if available, shaft diameter, housing bore, split style, assembled bore requirement, alloy, lubrication method, and whether halves must be matched, marked, or interchangeable.