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Rod end FLURO GALSW 12 – M12 male, left-hand, maintenance-free PTFE (uniball)
- Maintenance-free rod end FLURO GALSW 12: M12x1.75 left-hand male thread, 12 mm bore, load capacity 23.5 kN static / 32.0 kN dynamic, PTFE liner. 1 pc.
FLURO GALSW 12 rod end – M12 left-hand male thread, 12 mm bore, maintenance-free (PTFE)
FLURO GALSW 12 is a maintenance-free rod end (also referred to as a rose joint, spherical rod end bearing, or male uniball) with an M12 left-hand male (external) thread and a 12 mm ball bore diameter. It supports a static load rating up to 23.5 kN and a dynamic load rating up to 32.0 kN, and thanks to its steel / PTFE sliding contact surface, it requires no lubrication throughout its entire service life.
A left-hand thread is most commonly paired with a right-hand GASW 12 rod end on the opposite end of a tie rod. This allows the overall rod length to be adjusted simply by rotating the rod, without disconnecting the linkage.
This rod end belongs to the GALSW series (the left-hand counterpart of the GASW series) manufactured by the German company FLURO-Gelenklager GmbH, produced in dimension series K in accordance with DIN ISO 12240-4. This series is engineered for operation under dynamic loads, making it ideal for motorsport, mechanical engineering, and any application where a linkage must compensate for misalignment and operate without play.
Key specifications at a glance
- Manufacturer: FLURO-Gelenklager GmbH (Germany)
- Manufacturer part number: GALSW 12 (ISO designation equivalent: GAKL 12 PW)
- Type: male (external thread) rod end, maintenance-free
- Thread: M12 (1.75 mm pitch), left-hand
- Ball bore diameter: 12 mm
- Static load rating: 23.5 kN
- Dynamic load rating: 32.0 kN
- Sliding contact pair: steel / PTFE
- Standard: DIN ISO 12240-4, dimension series K
- Sold as: 1 piece
Technical specifications FLURO GALSW 12
| Parameter | Value (metric) | Value (imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Thread (G) | M12 external (male), left-hand | – |
| Ball bore diameter (d) | 12 mm | 0.47" |
| Head outer diameter (D) | 32 mm | 1.26" |
| Ball / inner ring width (W) | 16 mm | 0.63" |
| Housing / outer ring width (T) | 12 mm | 0.47" |
| Center of ball to end of shank (L) | 54 mm | 2.13" |
| Overall length | 70 mm | 2.76" |
| Thread length (GM) | 32 mm | 1.26" |
| Tilt / misalignment angle | 13° in each direction (26° total) | – |
| Maximum static load rating (C0) | 23.5 kN | 5283 lbf |
| Maximum dynamic load rating (C) | 32.0 kN | 7194 lbf |
| Limiting rotational speed | 300 rpm | 300 rpm |
| Weight | 87 g | 0.19 lb |
| Lubrication | maintenance-free – do not lubricate | – |
Construction and materials
Housing (body with threaded shank)
The housing in size 12 is CNC-turned from free-cutting steel and zinc-plated for corrosion protection. In the GALSW series, housings up to and including size 12 are turned from free-cutting steel, while sizes 14 and above are forged from heat-treated steel.
Bearing liner
The bearing liner is made of free-cutting steel with a bonded PTFE sliding layer. This liner ensures maintenance-free operation and zero clearance (play-free performance).
Ball (inner ring)
The ball is manufactured from 100Cr6 (AISI 52100) bearing steel – hardened, ground, and polished.
Applications
GALSW series rod ends are used in linkages that transmit axial forces along the rod while allowing angular misalignment. Typical applications for the M12 size include:
- gearshift linkages and selector rods,
- sway bar / anti-roll bar end links,
- adjustable suspension links and tie rods (subject to load verification),
- adjustable tie rods and struts in tubular structures,
- aerodynamic element supports,
- joints in machinery, automation systems, and actuators.
Selecting the proper rod end for a specific joint must take into account actual operating loads and the required safety factor – this is the responsibility of the designer or installer.
Installation guidelines
- A 12 mm (M12) bolt or pin passes through the ball bore.
- Secure the threaded shank using an M12 left-hand locknut (jam nut) – a standard right-hand nut will not fit.
- The threaded shank should be screwed in to a depth of at least 1.5 times the thread diameter, i.e. a minimum of 18 mm.
- A left-hand thread is tightened counter-clockwise.
- Do not lubricate the rod end – grease and oils degrade the performance of the PTFE liner.
- To utilize the full misalignment angle, high-misalignment (tapered) spacers should be fitted on both sides of the ball.
Frequently asked questions
What thread does the FLURO GALSW 12 rod end have?
The FLURO GALSW 12 rod end features an M12 male (external), left-hand thread. The thread length is 32 mm.
What bolt fits the bore of the GALSW 12 rod end?
The ball bore diameter is 12 mm, so it accepts an M12 (12 mm) bolt or pin.
What load rating does the FLURO GALSW 12 support?
The maximum static load rating is 23.5 kN (5283 lbf), and the dynamic load rating is 32.0 kN (7194 lbf).
Does the GALSW 12 rod end require lubrication?
No. The rod end is maintenance-free – the bearing liner has a PTFE sliding layer that must not be lubricated. The rod end has no grease nipple.
What is the difference between GALSW 12 and GASW 12?
GALSW 12 has a left-hand thread, whereas GASW 12 has a right-hand thread. Pairing right-hand and left-hand rod ends on opposite ends of a single tie rod allows turnbuckle length adjustment without disassembly.
What is the tilt angle of the GALSW 12 rod end?
The ball tilts by 13° in each direction, giving a total misalignment angle of 26°.
What materials is the FLURO GALSW 12 rod end made of?
The housing is turned from free-cutting steel and zinc-plated, the liner is free-cutting steel with a bonded PTFE layer, and the ball is hardened, ground, and polished 100Cr6 bearing steel.
Is the price for a single piece?
Yes, the price is for 1 piece of the FLURO GALSW 12 rod end.