Teflon Kingpin Bushings?

[Bruce Dorsi]

The June '04 issue of "Street Rodder" magazine has an article touting Teflon bushings to replace the brass/bronze kingpin bushings, and also the thrust bearings used between the axle and spindle.

I understand and accept the low-friction qualities of Teflon.

However, my own (non-automotive) experiences have proven that Teflon will "cold-flow" when put under compressive loads, if it is not contained.

When I saw the article, I thought "Uh, oh!"  ....My belief is that there are more-suitable plastics for this use.

However, there are MANY people MUCH smarter than me, and I would like to think this application has been correctly engineered.  

So, a good idea, or today's fad?

What are YOUR thoughts??

[SKR8PN]

I remember when they came out with those Teflon bushings. They were junk then...........I find it hard to believe they have gotten any better
Back then,they touted them because you did not need to fit the pins,like you do with the brass bushings. Personally,I would run the other way.....

[Sean]

I wonder why they can't just make Teflon "impregnated" Bronze bushings?

[unklian]

In my limited experience,Teflon is too soft.
Should be able to get Teflon filled Delrin or similar.