Rod ends, how do they survive without lube?

[R.O.B.]

Just courious, but all of the suspension upgrades I look at seem to use rod ends. I never seem to notice a grease fitting anyware. Won't these wear out with out grease? Or is there something I don't get here?

 

[R.O.B.]

Just a bump--

Anyone have anything? Good or bad?

 

[CochinoFilipino]

From my understanding some rod ends do have fittings for lubrication, some don't and you just lube the exposed areas, others are designed and made of materials that require no lube at all.

Some interesting reading here Spherical plain bearings and rod ends - general - SKF.com / Products / Interactive Engineering Catalogue/Spherical plain bearings and rod ends

 

[66HertzClone]

I decided not to take any chances, I used rod ends for my throttle linkage, I have a bumpsteer kit that uses them and I'm getting ready to install CalTracs. Summit has these and I've used them and will put them on the CalTracs just to be sure.

Here is a link to the part, Seal it

 

[rbohm]

it depends on what type of rod end you use. if the old style two piece ends, then you replace them on a regular basis. the three piece ends have a teflon liner built in and last much longer. there are also ends that are lubeable and have seals you install to prevent dirt from getting in.

 

[Opentracker]

The spherical bearings we use are Teflon lined and slef lubricating.

Or we use these,

 

[thekid760]

A good article I found that is very informative:

Rod Ends Tech - Street Rodder Magazine

 

[R.O.B.]

Thanks guys, you all have provided some great info!