Sleeve bearings are commonly made of ____________.

• A. Bronze
• B. Brass
• C. Stainless steel
• D. Aluminum

Answer: (A)

Choosing a material for sleeve bearings centers on wear resistance, the ability to embed hard particles from the shaft, and good lubricating performance. Bronze fits that need well: tin-bronze alloys create a surface that is hard enough to resist wear, yet ductile enough to deform slightly and embed any stray particles instead of scoring the shaft. This reduces damage and helps maintain a stable lubricant film, which is crucial for smooth, long-lasting sliding action. Bronze bearings also resist corrosion and are easy to machine, making them durable and cost-effective for many bearing applications. Other materials like brass, stainless steel, or aluminum don’t offer the same combination of hardness, embedability, and lubrication compatibility, so bronze remains the common choice for sleeve bearings.