Bushings

Bushings are an essential component of every AEG gearbox. They support the gear shafts and ensure that the gears can rotate smoothly, stably and reliably during every firing cycle. Although bushings may seem small and simple, they have a significant impact on the service life of the gears, the efficiency of the gearbox and the noise level of the replica.

Go straight to the information you need:
• Why choose high-quality bushings?
• What exactly do bushings do?
• Standard bushings or ball bearing bushings?
• When should you choose which?
• Top brands for bushings
• Professional use
• What should you look out for when buying bushings?
• Frequently asked questions about bushings

In this category, you’ll find high-quality airsoft bushings from renowned brands such as Ares, Element, G&G, Maxx Model, Point, Prometheus and Union Fire Company (UFC). The range comprises 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm and 9 mm bushings, as well as standard bushings and ball-bearing bushings for a wide variety of AEG platforms and gearbox builds.

Whether you’re replacing a worn-out airsoft bushing, overhauling a complete gearbox or putting together a new build, high-quality bushings help ensure a smooth-running and durable gearbox.

Why choose high-quality bushings?

Bushings ensure that the gears rotate smoothly within the gearbox and that the load is distributed evenly during each firing cycle. The correct size and design are just as important as the quality of the material.

Please note: The size of a bushing (6, 7, 8 or 9 mm) refers to the diameter of the bore in the gearbox shell and not to the gears themselves. You should therefore always check which size your gearbox uses before purchasing new bushings.

What exactly do bushings do?

Inside an AEG gearbox, the gears do not rotate directly within the gearbox shell. Each gear rotates on a shaft supported by a bushing. This allows the gears to rotate smoothly and ensures that the load is distributed evenly throughout the gearbox.

Bushings fulfil several important functions in this regard:

• Support the gear shafts.
• Reduce wear and tear on the gearbox and the gears.
• Ensuring a stable and smooth rotation.
• They help to distribute the load evenly during each firing cycle.

Although AEG bushings are barely visible when the gearbox is closed, they play a key role in the reliability of the entire drivetrain.

Standard Bushings or Ball Bearing Bushings?

When choosing new bushings, you’ll soon find yourself faced with the choice between standard bushings and ball-bearing bushings. Although ball bearings are often seen as an upgrade, they aren’t automatically the best choice for every replica.

Standard bushings are solid in construction and are known for their high load-bearing capacity. They are widely used in replicas fitted with more powerful springs or in builds where reliability is more important than minimising friction. Thanks to their simple and robust construction, they can withstand high loads over long periods.

Ball Bearing Bushings contain small ball bearings, which allow the gears to turn with less resistance. As a result, they help the gearbox to run more smoothly and are often used in high-speed builds where low friction is required.

Neither option is inherently better. The right choice depends entirely on the configuration of your gearbox and the intended use of the replica. A high-quality steel bushing can actually be the most reliable solution in many high-power builds, whilst bearings really come into their own in lighter, high-speed configurations.

When do you choose which one?

The choice between standard bushings and ball bearing bushings depends entirely on the configuration of your AEG. Not every gearbox benefits from the same solution.

If you’re building a replica that prioritises reliability, a heavier spring or intensive use, standard steel bushings are often the best choice. They are exceptionally strong, wear-resistant and can handle high loads with ease. That’s why many experienced airsoft technicians opt for steel bushings in high-performance builds.

If your build is specifically designed for a high rate of fire or a fast firing cycle with a lighter load, ball bearing bushings may be an interesting option. Thanks to the ball bearings, the gears turn with less resistance, which can help the gearbox run more smoothly.

So there is no single ‘best’ choice. The right AEG bushing is always the one that suits the load and the purpose of your gearbox.

Leading brands in bushings

In this category, you’ll find bushings from manufacturers renowned for their precise dimensions and reliable quality.

Prometheus and Maxx Model are among the most popular choices for high-quality gearbox builds thanks to their excellent finish and consistent tolerances. In addition, Ares, Element, G&G, Point and Union Fire Company (UFC) offer reliable bushings for both maintenance and complete upgrades.

Practical tip

Are you replacing the bushings in your gearbox? If so, be sure to check the shimming of the gears at the same time. Even minor differences in size between the old and new bushings can affect the alignment of the gears. A new set of bushings will therefore only perform optimally once the gearbox has been correctly shimmed again.

Professional use

In a professional gearbox build, the choice of bushings is always tailored to the load on the entire drivetrain. Experienced airsoft technicians consider not only the diameter of the bushings, but also the gear ratio, motor, spring and the intended use of the replica.

For high-performance builds using heavier springs, solid steel bushings are often deliberately chosen for their high load-bearing capacity. In lighter, high-speed set-ups, ball bearing bushings can, on the other hand, contribute to smoother operation. The choice is therefore not determined by what is ‘better’, but by what best suits the overall gearbox configuration.

What should you look out for when buying bushings?

Before you buy new bushings, it is important to first establish what size your gearbox uses and which type of bushing best suits your build.

In this regard, please bear in mind, amongst other things:

• The correct diameter (6, 7, 8 or 9 mm).
• Standard bushings or ball bearing bushings.
• Compatibility with your gearbox shell.
• The load on your gearbox and the spring used.
• The condition of the gears and the shimming.

By choosing bushings that are compatible with the rest of the drivetrain, you can prevent unnecessary wear and ensure your gearbox runs smoothly.

Bushings inside the gearbox

Bushings support the gear shafts and are therefore an essential part of the drive train of every AEG. They ensure that the gears can rotate smoothly, distribute the load during each firing cycle and contribute to the quiet and reliable operation of the gearbox.

Are you carrying out a complete gearbox overhaul, or are you also replacing other internal parts? If so, take a look at our AEG Gearbox Parts category, where you’ll find all the parts you need to fine-tune your gearbox to perfection.

Common mistakes

Bushings may seem like simple components, but choosing the wrong ones or fitting them incorrectly can significantly affect the performance and service life of the gearbox.

Common mistakes include:

• Thinking that ball bearing bushings are always better than standard bushings.
• Purchasing bushings with the wrong diameter (6, 7, 8 or 9 mm).
• Fitting new bushings without re-shimming the gearbox.
• Reusing worn gears on new bushings.
• Do not check whether the bushings fit properly into the gearbox shell.
• Replacing only the bushings, whilst the actual cause of the wear lies elsewhere in the gearbox.

By checking the entire drivetrain rather than replacing a single part, you can prevent a lot of unnecessary wear and tear and avoid future problems.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bushings

What size bushings do I need?
That depends on your gearbox shell. The most common sizes are 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm and 9 mm. Always check the specifications of your replica or measure the existing bushings before ordering new ones.

Are ball bearing bushings better than standard bushings?
Not always. Ball bearing bushings can reduce resistance and are popular in high-speed builds. For high-powered replicas with heavier springs, many experienced airsoft technicians actually opt for solid steel bushings because of their higher load-bearing capacity.

Do I need to re-shim after replacing the bushings?
Yes. Even slight differences in size between the old and new bushings can affect the position of the gears. It is therefore strongly recommended that you re-check and readjust the shimming.

Can I fit bushings of a different size?
No. The diameter of the bushings must match the bore in the gearbox shell exactly. For example, an 8 mm bushing will not fit in a 7 mm gearbox.

Can worn bushings cause damage?
Yes. Worn or damaged bushings can mean that the gears are no longer properly supported. This can lead to increased wear, more noise and, ultimately, damage to the gears or the gearbox shell.

Advice from Airsoft-Legends

When replacing bushings, we recommend looking beyond just the correct diameter. The choice between standard bushings and ball bearing bushings depends on the load on your gearbox and the configuration of the entire drivetrain.

You should therefore always check the gears, shimming and the fit of the bushings in the gearbox shell during a gearbox overhaul. A high-quality set of bushings will only deliver optimum results when all the components are properly matched.

With high-quality bushings from Ares, Element, G&G, Maxx Model, Point, Prometheus and Union Fire Company (UFC), you’ll ensure a smoothly running gearbox, an even load on the gears and a reliable foundation for years of trouble-free use.