What's the difference between a bearing and a bushing?
Dec 13, 2021
A bushing is a thin tube or sleeve that allows relative motion by sliding, as compared to rolling. A bushing might also be called a sleeve bearing.
A bearing is the general term for something that allows relative motion between two components, surfaces, etc.
There isn't really a difference: a bushing is a type of bearing. In general, a “bearing” facilitates movement between two parts while reducing friction. Simple in design, the typical bearing has two surfaces that roll over each other, enabling two mating components to move friction-lessly.
They are broadly divided into radial bearings, thrust bearings and linear bearings, depending on whether they’re working with rotational or linear movements.
A “bushing” is a specific design of bearing used for certain applications. To summarise: a bushing is a bearing, but a bearing is not always a bushing.
A bearing is the general term for something that allows relative motion between two components, surfaces, etc.
There isn't really a difference: a bushing is a type of bearing. In general, a “bearing” facilitates movement between two parts while reducing friction. Simple in design, the typical bearing has two surfaces that roll over each other, enabling two mating components to move friction-lessly.
They are broadly divided into radial bearings, thrust bearings and linear bearings, depending on whether they’re working with rotational or linear movements.
A “bushing” is a specific design of bearing used for certain applications. To summarise: a bushing is a bearing, but a bearing is not always a bushing.
