Steel Backed Bronze Bushings
Heavy-duty composite bearings combining steel shell strength with bronze wear resistance. Cost-effective alternative to solid bronze for truck chassis, leaf springs, and high-load industrial applications.
Looking for steel backed bearings with PTFE or POM lining (dry/maintenance-free operation)? Check our Metal-Polymer Composite Bearings page.
What Is a Steel Backed Bronze Bushing?
A steel backed bronze bushing is a composite bearing that combines two metals: a strong steel outer shell and a wear-resistant bronze inner lining. This "sandwich" construction delivers the best of both materials — the strength of steel with the excellent sliding properties of bronze.
Unlike solid bronze bushings machined from expensive bronze bar stock, steel backed bushings use sintered bronze powder bonded to a steel strip. The bronze layer is metallurgically fused to the steel — not glued or mechanically attached — so it won't delaminate or peel off under heavy loads.
These bushings require oil or grease lubrication and are manufactured as split (wrapped) bearings with a longitudinal seam. They are widely used in truck suspensions, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery where high loads and cost efficiency matter.
Composite Structure
Steel Backing
Low carbon steel shell provides mechanical strength, enables press-fit installation, and prevents housing distortion under load.
Sintered Bronze Lining
Lead-bronze (CuPb10Sn10) or lead-free alloy provides excellent wear resistance, anti-friction properties, and oil retention.
Bronze sintered directly onto steel — no adhesives, no risk of delamination
Technical Data
| Backing Material | Low Carbon Steel |
| Lining Material | Sintered Bronze |
| Connection | Metallurgical Bond |
| Max Static Load | 300 N/mm² |
| Max Dynamic Load | 140 N/mm² |
| Max Speed (Lubricated) | 2.5 m/s |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +250°C |
| Wall Thickness | 1.5 - 3.0mm |
| Lubrication | Oil or Grease Required |
Split Type Bushing
Steel backed bronze bushings are manufactured as split (wrapped) bearings with a longitudinal seam. This is normal and does not affect performance when properly installed in a housing.
Steel Backed vs. Solid Bronze Bushings
| Property | Steel Backed Bronze | Solid Bronze |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | Lower (less copper used) | Higher (100% bronze) |
| Load Capacity | Higher (steel support) | Good (material limited) |
| Wall Thickness | Thin (1.5-3mm) | Thick (3mm+) |
| Housing Distortion | Prevents distortion | Can distort under load |
| Installation | Press-fit (interference) | Press-fit or shrink-fit |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good (plated steel) | Excellent (solid bronze) |
| Machinability | Limited (thin bronze layer) | Excellent (can re-bore) |
| Best Application | High load, cost-sensitive | Custom shapes, corrosive |
When to Choose Steel Backed Bronze
- You need to reduce bushing costs without sacrificing load capacity
- Space is limited and thin-wall design is required
- Heavy loads might distort a solid bronze bushing
- Standard sizes (DIN/ISO) are acceptable
Bronze Lining Alloys
JBM offers steel backed bronze bushings with multiple bronze lining options. Choose the alloy that best matches your performance requirements and environmental regulations.
Lead Bronze Lining
CuPb10Sn10 (SAE 792)Traditional lead-bronze alloy delivering excellent wear resistance, anti-seizure properties, and conformability. The industry standard for heavy-duty applications.
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Superior anti-seizure properties
- Good embeddability for debris
- Proven track record in heavy equipment
Applications: Truck chassis, construction equipment, engine bushings
JBM Model: JBM-800
Lead-Free Bronze Lining
CuSn8Ni (Lead-Free)Environmentally friendly bronze alloy without lead. Meets RoHS and REACH regulations for European and North American markets. Comparable performance to lead bronze.
- RoHS & REACH compliant
- High fatigue strength
- Eco-friendly alternative
- No lead disposal concerns
Applications: EU/US OEMs, agricultural equipment, automotive
JBM Model: JBM-820
Oil Grooves & Grease Pockets
Steel backed bronze bushings require periodic lubrication. The bronze inner surface can be manufactured with various groove patterns to optimize oil or grease distribution.
Diamond Indents
Diamond-shaped pockets store grease and distribute it during operation. Standard for grease-lubricated applications.
Ball Indents
Spherical pockets pressed into bronze surface. Also collects wear particles to keep sliding surface clean.
Through Holes
Full holes through the bushing wall allow external oil supply via oil nipples in the housing.
Circumferential Grooves
Ring grooves around inner diameter for even oil distribution. Combined with oil holes for external lubrication.
Why Choose JBM Steel Backed Bronze Bushings
Cost Effective
Uses less expensive bronze than solid bushings. Steel backing reduces copper content while maintaining load capacity.
Heavy Duty
Steel shell handles static loads up to 300 N/mm² and dynamic loads up to 140 N/mm². Ideal for truck and construction applications.
Thin Wall Design
Compact wall thickness (1.5-3mm) saves space. Allows larger shaft diameter in existing housings.
No Delamination
Bronze metallurgically bonded to steel — not glued. Will not peel or separate even under extreme loads.
Fatigue Resistant
Lead-bronze lining excels in cyclic loading. Proven reliability in suspension and engine applications.
High Temperature
Operates from -40°C to +250°C. Steel backing maintains stability at elevated temperatures.
Easy Installation
Press-fit into housing with standard tooling. Steel backing allows higher interference fit than solid bronze.
Lead-Free Options
RoHS/REACH compliant lead-free bronze available. Meets EU and US environmental regulations.
We typically respond to inquiries within 12 hours. Get expert recommendations for your application.
Get a QuoteChassis, Suspension & Heavy Equipment
Steel backed bronze bushings are the go-to choice for truck maintenance, construction equipment repair, and agricultural machinery where high loads and cost matter.
Truck Suspension
- Leaf spring eye bushings
- Leaf spring shackle bushings
- King pin bushings
- Steering knuckle bushings
- Trunnion bearings
- Spring hanger bushings
Construction Equipment
- Excavator bucket pins
- Loader arm pivots
- Boom cylinder mounts
- Track roller bushings
- Idler wheel bushings
- Dozer blade pivots
Agricultural Machinery
- Tractor linkage bushings
- Harvester pivot bearings
- Implement hitch bushings
- PTO shaft supports
- Disc harrow bearings
- Loader bucket pins
Brake & Engine
- Brake camshaft bushings
- Brake caliper bushings
- Connecting rod bushings
- Camshaft bushings
- Rocker arm bushings
- Starter motor bushings
Steel Backed Bronze Bearing Range
Need Steel Backed Bronze Bushings?
JBM manufactures high-load steel backed bronze bushings for truck suspension, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery. Lead and lead-free options available to meet your requirements.
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