FAQs

ThorPlas-Blue is the preferred material for wicket gate & linkage applications.

Unlike most other competitive materials used in wicket gate bearing applications, ThorPlas-Blue bearings are homogeneous with solid lubricant uniformly distributed through the entire bearing wall.  There are no layers, plugs, or fibers that can lead to unpredictable or inconsistent wear and friction performance.

Yes – a corrosion resistant surface should be always used when grease is removed from a bearing interface that is exposed to water.  Stainless steel liners, hard chrome, and other metallization procedures on the wicket gate stem are all suitable.

The maximum operating pressure is 45 MPa (6500 psi) when in a dynamic or moving condition, and can withstand loading up to 60 MPa (8700 psi) in a static or stationary load condition.

Greasing of the ThorPlas-Blue self-lubricated bearing material is not necessary, nor is it recommended.  In case it is still required by the operator for some reason, there is no concern with material compatibility, but once grease is applied to the bearing it must be maintained as it will reduce the ability of the material to maintain a self-lubricating condition.

They are normally fitted by press or freeze fitting with an interference fit between the housing ID and bearing OD. The fit is larger than it would be for an equivalent metallic bearing and should be calculated using the Thordon Bearing Sizing Program.

Yes, the bearings can be supplied and installed with a slight overbuild on thickness to allow a final machining pass after fitting.  This is only necessary if trying to achieve the tightest possible clearance.  For most customers and installations an acceptable fit is achieved when the bearings are fully machined before fitting.