Two materials used in the composition of sleeve bearings is _______ and _______.

Two materials used in the composition of sleeve bearings is _______ and _______.

• A. Bronze, Babbitt
• B. Aluminum, Nylon
• C. Steel, Iron
• D. Brass, Copper

Answer: (A)

Sleeve bearings rely on a soft, conformable bearing surface backed by a stronger base material. Bronze provides a sturdy, machinable backing that can carry the load, while Babbitt—a soft lead/tin alloy—forms the bearing surface that is able to embed debris, adapt to shaft imperfections, and produce low friction. This pairing gives a durable, well-lubricated bearing with good wear resistance. Other options don’t fit the typical sleeve bearing construction. Aluminum and nylon aren’t the standard backing/surface pairing for heavy machine-room bearings. Steel and iron are too hard and don’t offer the necessary conformity and embedability. Brass and copper don’t combine the soft bearing surface with a suitable backing as effectively as bronze with Babbitt.

Sleeve bearings rely on a soft, conformable bearing surface backed by a stronger base material. Bronze provides a sturdy, machinable backing that can carry the load, while Babbitt—a soft lead/tin alloy—forms the bearing surface that is able to embed debris, adapt to shaft imperfections, and produce low friction. This pairing gives a durable, well-lubricated bearing with good wear resistance.

Other options don’t fit the typical sleeve bearing construction. Aluminum and nylon aren’t the standard backing/surface pairing for heavy machine-room bearings. Steel and iron are too hard and don’t offer the necessary conformity and embedability. Brass and copper don’t combine the soft bearing surface with a suitable backing as effectively as bronze with Babbitt.