Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Older electric motor assemblies commonly used spherically shaped bronze (ie, SAE 841/oilite) bushings to support both ends of the rotor assembly. The end plates or retainers are typically stamped steel pieces that cup the bushings to provide end location (versus a sleeve type bushing that is press fit in a bore).

This style bushing is certainly not exclusive to Packard components; it is, however, present in the power antenna motor and HVAC blower motor on a 54th series car.

Can anyone recall a convenient supplier? Obviously, they can be produced in quantity by the usual suspects overseas, but preference is to find a stateside supplier that will sell smaller quantities; this seems to be maddeningly difficult!

Thanks!
Mark

Did you try Precision Power, Lansing MI for rebuilding the motor?

Have you checked with MSC? I didn't check sizes but see they do have some plain bronze spherical bushings.

I didn't see any of the regular small quantity retail places that sell bronze or oilite bushings in the spherical shape but there is a place in MA that does sell them. It might be worth a call to see if they deal in anything less than thousand piece quantities or maybe they could refer you to a dealer.http://www.lm-tarbell.com/sphericals.htm

If not an option McMaster sells spherical bearings in 1/4 and 5/16 shaft sizes which are used for swivel joints. Several are in the $7-10 range. The inner piece is the same shape but it is steel or ptfe lined steel and while I would expect they could handle a lot of movement, they do need lube so maybe not a good option for rotational shaft speeds in a motor environment -- even with a good prelube and periodic felt touchup. If it would work the inner part could be removed from the outer housing and might fit the motor cavity.

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When I was working bought a piece of stock from McMaster Carr or MSC and made this type of bushings size of id is hardest part of operation the out side sphere is not a critical part as the end cover and small spring section is to locate shaft and other end do the alignment. If you have friend with lathe they are easy to make with minimal of ability. Get 6 inch long piece of proper od I would guess 3/4 to 1 inch The cost for 6 inch long piece around $20 and you will have lifetime supply of material
https://www.mscdirect.com/product/details/61224044

Great leads! Thanks gentlemen!