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Rod end FLURO GALSW 18 – M18x1.5 male, left-hand, maintenance-free PTFE (uniball)
- Maintenance-free rod end FLURO GALSW 18: M18x1.5 left-hand male thread, 18 mm bore, load capacity 38.5 kN static / 64.0 kN dynamic, PTFE liner. 1 pc.
FLURO GALSW 18 Rod End – M18x1.5 Left-Hand Male Thread, 18 mm Bore, Maintenance-Free (PTFE)
FLURO GALSW 18 is a maintenance-free rod end (also referred to as a rose joint, heim joint, spherical rod end, or threaded uniball) featuring an M18x1.5 left-hand external (male) thread and an 18 mm ball bore diameter. It supports a static load of up to 38.5 kN and a dynamic load of up to 64.0 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 18 rod end at the opposite end of a linkage rod. This allows the overall length of the rod to be adjusted simply by rotating it, without disconnecting the assembly.
This rod end belongs to the GALSW series (the left-hand threaded counterpart to the GASW series) manufactured by the German company FLURO-Gelenklager GmbH, built to dimension series K in accordance with DIN ISO 12240-4. Designed for operation under dynamic loads, this series excels in motorsport, mechanical engineering, and any application where a joint must compensate for misalignment and operate with zero play.
In size 18, the standard version of the GALSW series features an M18x1.5 fine-pitch thread (1.5 mm pitch) rather than a standard M18 thread with a 2.5 mm coarse pitch. Therefore, pay attention to the thread pitch when selecting a nut or an internally threaded rod.
Key Specifications at a Glance
- Manufacturer: FLURO-Gelenklager GmbH (Germany)
- Manufacturer designation: GALSW 18 (ISO designation equivalent: GAKL 18 PW)
- Type: external (male) thread rod end, maintenance-free
- Thread: M18x1.5 (fine pitch, 1.5 mm pitch), left-hand
- Ball bore diameter: 18 mm
- Static load rating: 38.5 kN
- Dynamic load rating: 64.0 kN
- Sliding pair: steel / PTFE
- Standard: DIN ISO 12240-4, dimension series K
- Sold as: 1 piece
Technical Specifications – FLURO GALSW 18
| Parameter | Value (Metric) | Value (Imperial) |
|---|---|---|
| Thread (G) | M18x1.5 male, left-hand | – |
| Ball bore diameter (d) | 18 mm | 0.71" |
| Outer head diameter (D) | 46 mm | 1.81" |
| Ball / inner ring width (W) | 23 mm | 0.91" |
| Housing / outer ring width (T) | 16.5 mm | 0.65" |
| Center of bore to end of shank (L) | 72 mm | 2.83" |
| Overall length | 95 mm | 3.74" |
| Thread length (GM) | 44 mm | 1.73" |
| Tilt angle | 15° in each direction (30° total) | – |
| Maximum static load (C0) | 38.5 kN | 8655 lbf |
| Maximum dynamic load (C) | 64.0 kN | 14388 lbf |
| Limiting rotational speed | 210 rpm | 210 rpm |
| Weight | 267 g | 0.59 lb |
| Lubrication | maintenance-free – do not lubricate | – |
Construction and Materials
Housing (body with threaded shank)
The size 18 housing is forged from C22 quenched and tempered steel and zinc-plated for corrosion protection. In the GALSW series, housings from size 14 upwards are forged, while smaller sizes (up to and including size 12) are machined from free-cutting steel.
Race (bearing liner)
The race is made of free-cutting steel with a bonded PTFE sliding liner. This layer ensures maintenance-free operation of the joint with zero backlash.
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 accommodating angular misalignment. Typical applications for the M18x1.5 size include:
- reaction rods and control arms,
- sway bar end links (anti-roll bar drop links),
- adjustable suspension rods and links (subject to load verification),
- adjustable tie rods and braces in tubular chassis structures,
- aerodynamic element mounts (splitters, wings),
- joints in machinery, automation systems, and actuators.
Selecting a rod end for a specific joint must account for actual operating loads and an appropriate safety factor – this is the responsibility of the design engineer or installer.
Installation Guidelines
- An 18 mm diameter bolt or pin passes through the ball bore.
- Secure the threaded shank using an M18x1.5 left-hand (fine-pitch) jam nut – a standard M18 nut with a 2.5 mm pitch will not fit.
- The threaded shank should be engaged to a minimum depth of 1.5 times the thread diameter, i.e., at least 27 mm.
- A left-hand thread is tightened counter-clockwise.
- Do not lubricate the rod end – grease and oil degrade the performance of the PTFE liner.
- To utilize the full tilt angle, use conical misalignment spacers on both sides of the ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thread does the FLURO GALSW 18 rod end have?
The FLURO GALSW 18 rod end has an M18x1.5 external (male), fine-pitch, left-hand thread. The thread length is 44 mm.
What bolt size fits the GALSW 18 bore?
The ball bore diameter is 18 mm, so it accommodates an 18 mm diameter bolt or pin.
What load can the FLURO GALSW 18 handle?
The maximum static load rating is 38.5 kN (8655 lbf), and the dynamic load rating is 64.0 kN (14388 lbf).
Does the GALSW 18 rod end require lubrication?
No. The rod end is maintenance-free – the race features a PTFE sliding liner that must not be lubricated. The rod end does not have a grease nipple.
What is the difference between GALSW 18 and GASW 18?
GALSW 18 has a left-hand thread, whereas GASW 18 has a right-hand thread. Using a pair of right-hand and left-hand rod ends on a single linkage rod allows you to adjust its length without disassembly.
What is the tilt angle of the GALSW 18 rod end?
The ball tilts 15° in each direction, for a total of 30°.
What materials is the FLURO GALSW 18 made of?
The housing is forged from C22 quenched and tempered steel and zinc-plated, the race 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 18 rod end.