
- description
Bushings are the sleeves the gear shafts ride in. They take every bit of load the gear train produces and they wear out quietly, long before anything sounds obviously wrong.
A worn bushing lets its gear tilt. That misaligns the mesh, chews teeth unevenly and puts the noise down to something else entirely, which is why they get replaced late.
Size is fixed by the gearbox shell, not by choice. A shell cut for 8mm takes 8mm, and opening it out to take something larger is machining work rather than an upgrade path.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Part | Gearbox bushings |
| Sizes | 7mm, 8mm and 9mm |
| Quantity | Six per set |
| Manufacturer | SHS |
| Sold as | Set of six |
Good to know before you buy
Bushings are the cheaper, simpler alternative to ball bearings. They cope better with heavy springs and shock loads, where bearings can brinell, so a hard-hitting build is often better off on bushings.
Frequently asked questions
Which size do I need?
Measure the bushing you are removing, or check what the shell is cut for. Most Version 2 and Version 3 gearboxes are 6mm, 7mm or 8mm from the factory.
Bushings or bearings?
Bushings last better behind heavy springs. Bearings reduce friction and suit lighter, faster builds. Neither is simply better than the other.
Do I need to glue them in?
They are an interference fit. If one is loose enough to need adhesive, the shell is worn and that is the real problem.