Reinstallation of Same Size ForceMate Bushing into a Hole Where Bushing was Removed

Lugs and clevises in aircraft and rotorcraft applications typically incorporate bushings that can provide a replaceable wear surface. FTI's ForceMate bushings are often used in these applications because they are installed with a high interference, which has been shown to provide a fatigue life benefit as compared to a non-bushed or shrink-fit bushed hole. When bushings are required to be replaced, a standard practice is to remove the bushing and check the hole for damage, ream the hole to the next size up, and replace the bushing. If there is no damage in the hole, it may be preferable to replace the removed bushing with one of the same size instead of removing material from the structure to install an oversize bushing. Tests have shown that this may be accomplished using FTI's ForceMate expanded bushings.