Adrian Carrera
When should you choose bearings vs. bushings? Its a question we hear often, and one that’s frequently complicated by inconsistent terminology.
At TriStar Plastics, we regularly help engineers navigate bearing nomenclature, including common points of confusion like plain bearings vs. plane bearings or bearings vs. bushings. While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not always interchangeable from an engineering perspective.
Let’s clarify the definitions, explain the practical differences, and outline when each option makes the most sense.
What Is a Bearing?
A bearing is a component designed to “bear” or carry loads while allowing controlled motion between two surfaces.
Bearings can support:
- Radial loads
- Axial loads
- Combined or oscillating loads
What Is a Bushing?
A bushing (also called a plain bearing or sleeve bearing) is typically a single, solid component designed to provide a low-friction interface between moving parts.
Key characteristics of bushings:
- One-piece construction
- Sliding or oscillating motion
- No rolling elements
- Often press-fit into a housing
In a broad sense, bushings are a type of bearing, but bearings may contain multiple components, while bushings are designed as a single part.
Material Choices Matter
Both bearings and bushings can be made from:
- Metals (bronze, steel)
- Plastics
- Composite or metal-backed polymer constructions
Expert Note by TriStar: Terminology can get confusing in cases such as the automotive industry, where “bearing” and “bushing” are used interchangeably. They often employ bearings with a plastic-lined bearing with a bronze interlayer, like our TriSteel bearings. These components support heavy loads, oscillating motion, and vibration, where grease-dependent rolling element bearings may struggle.
Plastic and composite bearings offer unique advantages, including:
- Self-lubricating, grease-free operation
- Corrosion and chemical resistance
- Quiet operation with vibration damping
- Predictable, gradual wear instead of catastrophic failure
These properties make self-lubricating bearings especially effective in dirty, wet, or maintenance-limited environments.
Application Requirements Drive the Decision
Choosing between a bearing and a bushing is ultimately about application behavior. Our engineers evaluate factors like load, motion, contamination, maintenance access, and service life expectations to determine whether a bushing or a bearing will perform better.
Have questions about bearing nomenclature or need help choosing between a bearing and a bushing for your application? Get in touch with TriStar's bearing and bushing experts for application-specific guidance and material recommendations.
