[Mitch Leland]

Russ,

However if it's the plastic bushing that goes bad then why mess with the bearing. It seems like if you replace the plastic bushing with a steel one you would be improving the longevity of the entire unit.

The only thing better would be a oil bronze bushing. I wonder why there's not an after market bushing in Naval Bronze? I'm sure the material would be more expensive, but the manufacturing cost should be the same, at least I think...