Suspension bushing material combinations (prototype)

[TMSengineer]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to solve a problems with a certain auto manufactuers front control arm bushings. The control arm goes straight from the spindle to the inside of the car, then angles 90 degrees back and slides into a bushing. The problem most aftermarket bushings have is that they don't allow for the suspension movement enough. Then end of the arm has to twist under high loads as the suspension is in rebound and compression. To make things worse, the end is a hex which cause stress concentrations.

Well, I believe I have my design figured out to accomdate these problems, but I am using a urethane bushing (80A or 90A) that will be twisting inside a casing. I need to know what material to use for that casing. I can already get a low friction additive in the urethane, and I ordered teflon sheet to try and use. However I would also like to find some teflon fabric to try. Anybody have any thoughts??? It also has to be relatively inexpensive.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[sreid]

Rulon and Turcite are common teflon based bearing materials.