KBS GAR 20 DO 20 mm M20x1.5 - Steel/Steel Rod End

KBS GAR 20 DO 20 mm M20x1.5 - Steel/Steel Rod End

KBS GAR 20 DO is a maintenance-required rod end incorporating a spherical plain bearing, with a 20 mm bore and M20x1.5 right-hand male thread. The GAR..DO design belongs to dimension series E and uses a steel/steel sliding contact combination requiring periodic relubrication. GAR identifies the male right-hand threaded version, while the basic DO execution is supplied without additional seals.

Technical data

Load ratings, mass, temperature limits and other manufacturer-dependent performance data are not transferred from Schaeffler, ASKUBAL or another manufacturer to the KBS product unless confirmed specifically for KBS GAR 20 DO.

Important note about the 20x53x18 mm description

The product may be commercially listed as:

GAR 20 DO KBS 20x53x18

However, this should not be interpreted as conventional d x D x B bearing dimensions.

For the standard GAR 20 DO geometry, technical catalogues indicate:

• d = 20 mm - bearing bore

• B = 16 mm - inner ring width

• d2 = approximately 53-54 mm - maximum outside dimension of the rod end head

• d3 = M20x1.5 - male thread

The approximately 53 mm dimension is therefore not a conventional bearing outside diameter D. It describes the external head geometry of the rod end.

Likewise, 18 mm should not be presented as the standard inner ring width B, which is 16 mm for the standard GAR 20 DO design.

For accurate technical identification, GAR 20 DO should therefore not be described simply as a 20x53x18 mm bearing.

What does GAR 20 DO mean?

The designation GAR 20 DO identifies the design and size of the rod end.

GAR - rod end with a right-hand male thread.

20 - nominal spherical plain bearing bore diameter of 20 mm.

DO - maintenance-required design using a steel/steel sliding contact combination.

GAR..DO is a rod end incorporating a spherical plain bearing rather than a rolling bearing.

Construction of GAR 20 DO

GAR 20 DO consists of a rod end housing with an integrated spherical plain bearing.

Its construction includes:

• inner ring with spherical sliding surface

• outer ring

• rod end housing

• M20x1.5 right-hand male thread

• steel/steel sliding contact surfaces

• provision for periodic lubrication

There are no balls or rollers.

GAR 20 DO is therefore not a rolling bearing. It operates through sliding contact between spherical surfaces.

Steel/steel sliding contact

The DO version uses steel/steel sliding surfaces.

This design requires lubrication.

The lubricant helps reduce friction and wear between the mating sliding surfaces during oscillating and articulating movement.

GAR 20 DO should therefore be distinguished from maintenance-free rod ends using different sliding material combinations.

GAR 20 DO requires lubrication

GAR 20 DO is a maintenance-required design.

The relubrication interval depends on factors such as:

• operating load

• movement frequency

• oscillation angle

• environmental contamination

• operating conditions

• lubricant used

A single universal lubrication interval should not be specified for every application.

Maintenance requirements should be established according to the actual operating conditions of the joint.

M20x1.5 male thread

GAR 20 DO uses:

M20x1.5

This is a metric male thread with a nominal diameter of 20 mm and a pitch of 1.5 mm.

The GAR version uses a right-hand thread.

Thread size and direction are essential when selecting a replacement.

A rod end with the same 20 mm bearing bore but a different thread size or opposite thread direction is not automatically interchangeable.

GAR 20 DO vs GAL 20 DO

GAR and GAL describe similar rod end constructions but differ in thread direction.

GAR 20 DO - right-hand male thread.

GAL 20 DO - left-hand male thread.

Both may use a 20 mm bearing bore and similar spherical plain bearing construction, but they should not be treated as identical components.

The thread direction must match the design of the linkage or adjustment mechanism.

GAR 20 DO vs GIR 20 DO

GAR and GIR differ primarily in their connection design.

GAR 20 DO - male thread.

GIR 20 DO - female thread.

Therefore, bore diameter alone is not sufficient when selecting a replacement rod end.

The thread type, size and direction must also be verified.

GAR 20 DO vs GAR 20 DO 2RS

The standard GAR 20 DO is an unsealed design.

A related version may be designated:

GAR 20 DO 2RS

The 2RS suffix identifies a version with seals on both sides of the spherical plain bearing.

Although the principal mounting dimensions can be similar, the versions differ in their protection against contamination.

The 2RS suffix should therefore not be ignored when identifying a replacement.

How does GAR 20 DO work?

The spherical outer surface of the inner ring operates against the corresponding spherical sliding surface of the outer ring.

This geometry allows oscillating movement and angular displacement between the bore axis and the axis of the rod end housing.

The rod end can therefore operate in linkages where connected components are not permanently aligned on exactly the same axis.

The permissible articulation angle is nevertheless limited by the geometry of the specific rod end and should not be assumed without manufacturer data.

Load characteristics

Spherical plain bearings transfer loads through relatively large sliding contact surfaces.

Rod ends of this type are designed to transmit loads through an articulated connection while permitting oscillating and angular movement.

However, permissible load values depend on the specific manufacturer and product execution.

For this reason, load ratings published for Schaeffler, ASKUBAL or another GAR 20 DO product should not automatically be assigned to KBS GAR 20 DO.

Engineering calculations should use load data confirmed specifically for the KBS product.

Alternative designations and search references

Natural identification and search references include:

• KBS GAR 20 DO

• GAR 20 DO KBS

• KBS GAR20DO

• GAR20DO KBS

• GAR 20 DO

• GAR20DO

• GAR 20 DO M20x1.5

• GAR 20 DO rod end

• GAR 20 DO spherical plain bearing rod end

• rod end 20 mm M20x1.5

• male rod end 20 mm

• steel/steel rod end 20 mm

• maintenance-required rod end 20 mm

• spherical rod end M20x1.5

Other designation systems, such as SA 20 ES, may identify dimensionally or structurally similar products, but they should not be declared direct replacements for KBS GAR 20 DO without checking all dimensions and technical parameters.

How to select a replacement for GAR 20 DO

Before selecting a replacement, verify:

• complete GAR 20 DO designation

• manufacturer

• 20 mm bore

• inner ring width

• M20x1.5 thread

• male thread design

• right-hand thread direction

• steel/steel sliding contact

• maintenance requirements

• sealed or unsealed execution

• rod end housing dimensions

• permissible load

• required articulation angle

• operating conditions

A 20 mm bore alone does not confirm interchangeability between rod ends.

Applications

Rod ends of this type are used as articulated connection points in linkages and mechanisms where loads must be transmitted while allowing oscillating movement or limited angular displacement.

Typical applications for this product type include:

• linkage systems

• adjustment mechanisms

• articulated joints

• control mechanisms

• actuating systems

These are general applications of this type of rod end and do not confirm the suitability of the exact KBS GAR 20 DO for a specific machine, vehicle or assembly.

The equipment documentation should be checked when identifying a replacement for a specific application.

Installation and maintenance

Before installation, verify:

• M20x1.5 thread compatibility

• right-hand thread direction

• condition of the thread

• condition of mating components

• free articulation of the spherical joint

• correct method of securing the threaded connection

Do not apply direct impact to the sliding surfaces or damage the inner ring during installation.

Because GAR 20 DO uses a steel/steel sliding contact combination, suitable lubrication must be provided according to the operating conditions.

The product should be stored in a clean, dry environment with the sliding surfaces and thread protected against corrosion and contamination.

FAQ

What is KBS GAR 20 DO?

KBS GAR 20 DO is a maintenance-required rod end incorporating a spherical plain bearing, with a 20 mm bore and M20x1.5 right-hand male thread.

Is GAR 20 DO a ball bearing?

No. It contains a spherical plain bearing and operates through sliding contact. It does not use balls or rollers.

What is the bore diameter of GAR 20 DO?

The nominal bore diameter is 20 mm.

What thread does GAR 20 DO have?

GAR 20 DO uses an M20x1.5 right-hand male thread.

Does GAR 20 DO require lubrication?

Yes. The DO version uses a steel/steel sliding contact combination and requires periodic relubrication.

Is GAR 20 DO sealed?

The standard GAR 20 DO is an unsealed version. A related sealed execution can be designated GAR 20 DO 2RS.

Are GAR 20 DO and GAL 20 DO the same?

No. GAR uses a right-hand male thread, while GAL identifies the corresponding left-hand threaded design.

Are the dimensions of GAR 20 DO 20x53x18 mm?

They should not be described as conventional d x D x B dimensions. The bore d is 20 mm, the inner ring width B is 16 mm, and approximately 53 mm refers to the external head dimension of the standard GAR 20 DO geometry. Therefore, 20x53x18 mm is not an accurate conventional bearing dimension description.

KBS GAR 20 DO - key information

KBS GAR 20 DO is a maintenance-required rod end with a 20 mm spherical plain bearing bore, M20x1.5 right-hand male thread and steel/steel sliding contact combination. GAR identifies the male right-hand threaded design, while the DO version requires periodic lubrication. The standard basic execution is supplied without additional seals.

KBS GAR 20 DO is available from the specialist industrial supplier simmering.pl, with stock in Poland and worldwide shipping. Assistance with identifying rod ends, spherical plain bearings and compatible replacements is also available.