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Rod end FLURO GALSW 8 – M8 male, left-hand, maintenance-free PTFE (uniball)
- Maintenance-free rod end FLURO GALSW 8: M8x1.25 left-hand male thread, 8 mm bore, load capacity 11.0 kN static / 16.7 kN dynamic, PTFE liner. 1 pc.
FLURO GALSW 8 rod end – M8 left-hand male thread, 8 mm bore, maintenance-free (PTFE)
FLURO GALSW 8 is a maintenance-free rod end (also referred to as a rose joint, spherical rod end bearing, or male uniball) with an M8 left-hand male (external) thread and an 8 mm ball bore diameter. It supports a static load rating up to 11.0 kN and a dynamic load rating up to 16.7 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 8 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 8 (ISO designation equivalent: GAKL 8 PW)
- Type: male (external thread) rod end, maintenance-free
- Thread: M8 (1.25 mm pitch), left-hand
- Ball bore diameter: 8 mm
- Static load rating: 11.0 kN
- Dynamic load rating: 16.7 kN
- Sliding contact pair: steel / PTFE
- Standard: DIN ISO 12240-4, dimension series K
- Sold as: 1 piece
Technical specifications FLURO GALSW 8
| Parameter | Value (metric) | Value (imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Thread (G) | M8 external (male), left-hand | – |
| Ball bore diameter (d) | 8 mm | 0.31" |
| Head outer diameter (D) | 24 mm | 0.94" |
| Ball / inner ring width (W) | 12 mm | 0.47" |
| Housing / outer ring width (T) | 9 mm | 0.35" |
| Center of ball to end of shank (L) | 42 mm | 1.65" |
| Overall length | 54 mm | 2.13" |
| Thread length (GM) | 25 mm | 0.98" |
| Tilt / misalignment angle | 14° in each direction (28° total) | – |
| Maximum static load rating (C0) | 11.0 kN | 2473 lbf |
| Maximum dynamic load rating (C) | 16.7 kN | 3754 lbf |
| Limiting rotational speed | 420 rpm | 420 rpm |
| Weight | 33 g | 0.073 lb |
| Lubrication | maintenance-free – do not lubricate | – |
Construction and materials
Housing (body with threaded shank)
The housing in size 8 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 M8 size include:
- gearshift linkages and selector rods,
- sway bar / anti-roll bar end links,
- throttle, clutch, and brake linkages,
- 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
- An 8 mm (M8) bolt or pin passes through the ball bore.
- Secure the threaded shank using an M8 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 12 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 8 rod end have?
The FLURO GALSW 8 rod end features an M8 male (external), left-hand thread. The thread length is 25 mm.
What bolt fits the bore of the GALSW 8 rod end?
The ball bore diameter is 8 mm, so it accepts an M8 (8 mm) bolt or pin.
What load rating does the FLURO GALSW 8 support?
The maximum static load rating is 11.0 kN (2473 lbf), and the dynamic load rating is 16.7 kN (3754 lbf).
Does the GALSW 8 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 8 and GASW 8?
GALSW 8 has a left-hand thread, whereas GASW 8 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 8 rod end?
The ball tilts by 14° in each direction, giving a total misalignment angle of 28°.
What materials is the FLURO GALSW 8 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 8 rod end.