Simple thrust bearing systems still available?

Hello ladies and gentlemen,

I'm doing a medium sized refit on my Endurance 35.
Because the prop shaft assembly is a bit odd (long story...),
I want to add a thrust bearing system to it.

Unfortunately when I search for that, I only get results
featuring overcomplex systems with CV joints etc.

So the simple question is, is there any supplier out there
that offers simple and plain thrust bearings for prop shafts?
Ideally it would be a flanged bearing that can be mounted in
axial direction. Ideally, it would be available in Europe!
Prop shaft diameter is 30mm (A tad under 1-1/4").

I would really like to avoid engineering one from scratch.

Best regards,
Marine_Mechanic

 

Normally the thrust is taken by the transmission. Why do you think that you need a new one?
Rather by the thrust bearing in the transmission

 

Hi Barry,
I don't need a new one, I want to add one for various reasons.

1. The distance between the inner propshaft bearing and the gearbox
is huge, but at the same time mostly inacessible. Since I can mount
the thrust bearing in a good position between front bearing and
gearbox, it would stabilize the propshaft radially.

2. I run an axial propshaft seal (Deepseaseal). Axial movement under
maximum thrust has led to debris getting stuck between the axial
sealing surfaces and led to leakage. I want to avoid that happening
again with the axial constraint of a thrust bearing.

3. Because of the mostly inaccessible propshaft, I don't have any axial
space to mount a pythondrive/aquadrive/equivalent. Only enough
space to mount a thrust bearing, nothing more.

So, given this info, does anyone know of a supplier that offers plain
marine thrust bearings that can be mounted on a 30mm shaft?

Best regards!

 

I googled thrust bearing and got thousands of hits. You need to specify the exact inside diameter, thrust force, type (sealed, etc.) , mount style to to get an appropriate result.

 

Well yeah, "thrust bearing" without context is a super broad term, like cutlery or fork.
As I described above, I am looking for a plain propshaft thrust bearing intended to be
used on small craft (Boat to be precise). I also noted that the shaft has 30mm diameter.

I can go to further detail saying that the expected maximum force will be 5000N at
1500RPM. Also mentioning, it's going to get used on a boat, so it should have a marine
rating. Meaning that it should be sealed an able to get lubricated. And have corrosion
protection!

Knowing all this, I did not find a single supplier. Only for big ships (500hp and more)
I found dedicated propshaft thrust bearings.

But I have seen them in many small old boats before. Usually just a flange and a properly
sized bearing, including a mechanism to lock the inner race of the bearing to the shaft.
Or just a cast housing with a oil lubricated bronze bearing. I know they existed and
where available for small craft. I just don't find any supplier that offers them nowadays.

I hope it is now clear what I am talking about.

So, anybody KNOW of a supplier that sells this stuff?

Best regards!

 

I don't think there is a marine rating. However, there are many sealed bearing available. In general sealed bearings are not designed to be lubricated. For example, front wheel hub bearings.
In fact, if you Google thrust bearings there are thousands of options. I don't understand the difficulty. You need to specify dimensions, how it needs to be mounted, etc. The bearings catalogs have all that information available.

 

Let me just make it simple:
-I have spent approx 26 hours doing my research about bearings, their dimensions, their load capacity and different housing options.
-I have not found a single option that allows that axial load in standard bearing housings for the required diameter. If you know one, please forward it.
-The Solution would be to spend a couple of days to design and fabricate a bearing housing that is appropriate. I don't want to do this, I make more money with my dayjob. If you can do that for less than 400$, go ahead and offer that to me.
-The other known alternative is to spend 400~500$ on a thrust bearing from Aquadrive/Pythondrive.
I also don't want to do this because I think it's to expensive if it is only supposed to be a thrustbearing.
If you want to sponsor me, feel free to offer that.

Clear enough? Questions?

 

Whoops, we couldn't find that. https://www.grainger.com/product/36UY20?gucid=N:NSaid:GGL:CSM-2295:KFV4LP:20800606:APZ_1&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22475795968&gclid=CjwKCAiAmp3LBhAkEiwAJM2JUGp889bxhB1IxxLU7pft8_sY9PiSSTiQz6MmjjkYedfz40N4yqNZwhoCqYsQAvD_BwE

 

Duuude, seriously, you are just spamming my thread!

If you can use more than a search engine to understand this:

And 30% of that is????
Yesss it is 3766 N!
Is that more or less than the 5000N required im my application?
Guess what, it's LESS!!!!

So, why would I use a bearing that is not suitable for my propulsion system?

And honestly, I just wrote that 'I've done all the research, so why do you keep spamming off topic stuff that is useless in context of the Question this thread is about??? Freakin F!

 

The python drive thrust bearing block is 245€, just don't fit the cv joint, let the shaft run trough. Python-Drive PD-R 30 thrust bearing https://ab-marineservice.com/en/product/python-drive-pd-r-30-thrust-bearing/
There are other manufacturers of marine cv joints where you can buy the thrust block separately.

It's possible to build a thrust block from standard components using a spherical roller bearing with a collet type shaft locking sleeve. There are even combinations where the collet significantly increases the shaft diameter so you can fit a much bigger bearing. Problem is you have to search for hours trough the manufacturers literature to find the proper combination.

A standard roller bearing will work fine if you bother to fix the axial movement problem of your shaft (there shouldn't be any). I would investigate the transmission mounted thrust bearing, it's probably worn, or you have play in other components.

 

How about some good manners? Check with the company that makes those and give them your specifications. For someone that claims there are no thrust bearings to be found on the Internet you are quite arrogant.

 

Guy:
-I need a suspension fork for a 1953 Triumph motorcycle, anyone got a supplier that still sells them?
You:
-Look at Amazon, the got lots of forks, pitchforks, eating forks, even golden forks for pastries!
Guy:
-They don't fit a 1953 Triumph motorcycle....

This goes on for 4 pages in the forum, and you still think you are smart.

 

That is correct, but the PD-R30 is not suited for the thrust or HP.
Also, I'm looking for an of-the-shelf product, not a DIY solution.
BTW. I am a Mechanical engineer, so please just stay on Topic.

 

For claiming to be an engineer and smarter than me, it is ironic you have access to worldwide suppliers and can't find a bearing. If you don't want advice, posting on a forum is the wrong place for you.

 

If your shaft is now using the thrust bearing in the transmission, you cannot add another one without using a shaft coupling that allows the engine to move in relation to the shaft. So, what is the present configuration? Rumars gave good example; what's the problem with standard bearings in normal industrial bearing housings? You specified thrust and rpms, you have to add the expected life time, that's all needed to specify the bearing. Standard procedure for a mechanical engineer......

Edit: Debris entering the sealing surfaces is a sign that the water flushing system is not working correctly (the debris comes from the shaft tube, not the bilge). Also note that the final adjustment of the axial position of the rotating part should be done with the boat in the water, as most hulls change shape when launched.