SBM Roller Lifter Choice

Duane said

I think it does translate. With a bushing you have more surface area taking the load versus only a small point of contact on a very small needle bearing. I agree about small parts migrating, hence the magnets in my lift valley area. I chose the comp because thopefully worse case scenario if you have a failure, there are no needle bearing and with staked axles there are no "C" clips to get into the motor. Hopefully!!

Click to expand...

Bushings also tend to be made from softer materials (needed for conformance under load) which have better fatigue resistance but can't handle as much total load (lower yield strength). The failure mode tends to be over a longer time-span though, and can be detected by change in lash.

Bearings are hardened steel which can take higher total loading, but will often fatigue fail with micro cracking and spalling happening in quick succession, leading to catastrophic failure with seemingly no warning and lots more small parts coming free during the rapid disassembly.

Everything is a trade-off..