Aqualube Bearings

The Aqualube range of rubber sleeved bearings are designed for marine and industrial applications. The bearings feature a specially formulated rubber and are molded into various shell materials. The rubber is an extremely tough, chemical and oil resistant nitrile which offers oustanding resistance to abrasion and wear, even in the most adverse conditions.

Michigan Wheel's comprehensive range of standard brass shell bearings, with tolerances suited for American shaft and strut standards, are stocked in sizes 3/4" through 6-1/2". We can also quote, upon request, an expanded range of bearings including:

• Sizes for shafting up to 10" in diameter.
• Metric sizes from 20mm through 260mm.
• Flanged, and spiral fluted bearings.

Inquiries for the above are welcomed.

Less info

Rubber and water make the perfect combination for a bearing material and a lubricant. The natural resilience of rubber gives the bearing its shock, vibration and noise absorption properties. The shape of the Aqualube bearing is the main reason for its success. Unlike many other bearings in the market the Aqualube bearing strips are shaped in such a way that a hydrodynamic water wedge is formed between shaft and bearing, even at very low speeds.

Water is the perfect lubrication medium, particularly for marine craft, because of its natural abundance, non-compressibility, cooling properties, and low coefficient of friction when between bearing strip and shaft.

The water enters the bearing through the longitudinal grooves and moves radially between the propeller shaft and the bearing face in a thin film. Once this film, or wedge, has developed, the shaft does not actually come into contact with the bearing.

Less info

Aqualube bearings are molded from a specially compounded oil and chemical resistant nitrile rubber. The nitrile rubber displays an excellent resistance to wear and abrasion, and is also tough and durable. Bonding techniques developed by Michigan Wheel ensure that the strength of the bond to the shell is at least equal to the strength of the rubber itself.

The finished product has a smooth, shiny surface to the rubber lining which, when compared with similar products on the market, provides visual testament to the quality of the bearing. Aqualube bearing shells are manufactured from either centrifugally cast superior marine bronze, or non-metallic (Phenolic) material. Aqualube bearings can be supplied with integral cast flanges.

Less info

The unique shape of the Aqualube bearing gives it an excellent resistance to abrasion. This helps to reduce the wear on the bearing surfaces in environments where sand and other abrasive particles are held in suspension, as found in shallow water.

The bearing is designed to let these abrasive particles pass over its surface and into the grooves where it is flushed out by the water feed pressure. This system prevents the particles from getting embedded into the bearing surface and causing severe wear on the propeller shaft.

Less info

The minimum to maximum operating speed of an Aqualube bearing is in the range of 100 - 6,900 feet per minute (0.5 - 35 meters per second). For applications outside these parameters, the Michigan Wheel technical department should be consulted as special provision for lubrication may be required.

Less info

All types of water lubricated rubber bearings will eventually experience wear in service. For bearings operating in clean water, bearing wear will be less rapid than when operating in shallow, heavily contaminated water. In any event, it is recommended that bearings should be inspected for wear whenever the vessel is hauled for storage or service. In cases where the bearing is operating in shallow water, an annual inspection is recommended.

Bearings fitted to struts and completely immersed pump bearings have adequate lubrication. However, where bearings are installed in a position where the water flow is marginal, they should be lubricated by a forced water flow system. This also applies to bearings which have to cope with low shaft speeds and high loads.

Less info

Aqualube water lubricated bearings have a Shore hardness of 70 +/- 3, and are suitable for operation in a temperature range of -13° F to 185° F (-25° C to 85° C). For temperatures above 86° F (30° C) bearing to shaft clearances may need to be adjusted.

The load which can be carried by an Aqualube bearing is dependant upon the quality of the lubricating water, shaft tolerance, and deflection of the shaft. A normal working load of 36 psi (2.5 kgs/cm² is acceptable. For further details on loads and deflection, please contact Michigan Wheel.

Less info

Prior to shipping, each bearing is subject to a 100% inspection procedure. Bearings are thoroughly inspected for dimensional accuracy, rubber hardness, and integrity of bond between rubber and shell.

Less info