
BOWMAN'S WMU® PTFE LINED BEARINGS: HIGH‑PERFORMANCE, DRY‑RUNNING APPLICATIONS
Bowman’s WMU PTFE lined bearings are engineered to deliver exceptional performance in demanding dry running PTFE bearings applications where low friction, minimal wear, and maintenance-free operation are essential. Featuring a robust steel backing with a premium PTFE sliding layer, these low friction PTFE bushings create a protective transfer film on the mating surface, reducing friction and extending the service life of both the bearing and the shaft without requiring external lubrication.
As a trusted PTFE lined wrapped bearing manufacturer, Bowman offers a comprehensive range of standard metric and imperial sizes alongside fully customized PTFE lined bearing solutions to meet specific application requirements. Our WMU® bearings are widely used in automotive, hydraulics, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and precision engineering, including PTFE bushings for hydraulics and automotive suspension PTFE bearings where consistent, low-friction performance is critical.
Alongside our standard steel backed PTFE bearings for customers across the USA and worldwide, Bowman also manufactures the WMU-B and WMU-SS ranges featuring bronze or stainless-steel backing strips for applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance or specialised material compatibility.
WMU® PTFE Lined Specifications
| Structure | S.A.E. 1010 steel backing strip with sintered bronze and PTFE layers |
|---|---|
| Max PV – Dry (N/mm² x m/s) | 1.8 |
| Max PV – Oiled (N/mm² x m/s) | 2.8 |
| Max Static load (N/mm²) | 250 |
| Max Dynamic load (N/mm²) | 140 |
| Max Sliding speed – Dry (m/s) | 2.5 |
| Max Sliding speed – With Oil (m/s) | 5 |
| Operating temperature (°C) | -200 to 280 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/mk) | 42 |
| Coefficient of friction – Dry | 0.02 to 0.20 |
| Coefficient of friction – With Oil | 0.02 to 0.15 |
| Recommended shaft finish (Ra) | 0.04 max (N5) |
| Recommended shaft hardness (HB) | 200 min |
The Key Strengths of the WMU® Bearings
Bowman's WMU PTFE lined bearings are designed to provide outstanding performance in demanding industrial applications where low friction, high wear resistance, and maintenance-free operation are essential. Manufactured with a durable steel backing and a premium PTFE sliding layer, these dry running PTFE bearings eliminate the need for continuous lubrication while delivering smooth, reliable motion under heavy loads and oscillating conditions. As a leading PTFE lined wrapped bearing manufacturer, Bowman engineers each bearing to maximise service life, reduce maintenance costs, and improve equipment efficiency. From PTFE bushings for hydraulics and automotive suspension PTFE bearings to construction equipment and precision engineering, WMU® bearings provide dependable performance across a wide range of industries. Standard and customized PTFE lined bearing solutions are available to meet the exact requirements of your application.

Low Friction Power
Designed with advanced low-friction properties to reduce energy loss and enhance efficiency.

Durable Sliding Action
Provides smooth, consistent sliding motion with minimal wear for extended reliability.

Exceptional Load Capacity
Engineered to support high radial and axial loads without compromising performance.

Corrosion-Resistant Coating
Equipped with a protective coating to resist rust, chemicals, and harsh environments.

Long-lasting Performance
Combines robust construction and superior materials to ensure extended operational life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bowman WMU® PTFE Lined Bearings?
Bowman WMU® PTFE lined bearings are high-performance dry running PTFE bearings designed for applications requiring low friction, excellent wear resistance, and maintenance-free operation. Manufactured with a durable steel backing and a premium PTFE sliding layer, these bearings create a protective transfer film on the mating surface, reducing friction and extending component life. They are ideal for demanding industrial applications where external lubrication is impractical or undesirable.
Which industries use WMU® PTFE Lined Bearings?
WMU® bearings are widely used across automotive, hydraulics, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, material handling, aerospace, and precision engineering. They are particularly suited for PTFE bushings for hydraulics and automotive suspension PTFE bearings, where low friction, high load capacity, and long service life are critical to reliable performance.
Can I get WMU® PTFE Lined Bearings customised to my specification?
Yes. As an experienced PTFE lined wrapped bearing manufacturer, Bowman offers fully customized PTFE lined bearings to meet the exact requirements of your application. We can manufacture bespoke sizes, tolerances, backing materials, and bearing configurations, ensuring optimal performance for OEM and replacement applications across a wide range of industries.
Which materials and sizes are available for WMU® PTFE Lined Bearings?
The standard WMU® range features a steel backing with a PTFE-lined sliding surface and is available in an extensive selection of metric and imperial sizes. For applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance or specialised material compatibility, Bowman also manufactures the WMU-B range with a bronze backing and the WMU-SS range with a stainless-steel backing. Custom dimensions and configurations are available on request.
How do I request a quote for WMU® PTFE Lined Bearings?
To request a quotation, simply contact Bowman with your bearing dimensions, operating conditions, load requirements, speed, and application details. Our engineering team will recommend the most suitable solution, whether you require a standard steel backed PTFE bearing in the USA or a fully customized PTFE lined bearing engineered for your specific application.








