Initial installation of a Slide Bearing Assembly can be very different from the eventual replacement of the very same bearing. Virtually, all bearing assemblies are intended to be replaced at some point during the life of the structure. This is true of Teflon® Slide Bearings and the more durable Fluorogold® Slide Bearings. It also holds true for Elastomeric Bearings, Viblon Shims and Bearings, and Commercial Grade Neoprene. In our experience, we have not seen an application where a bearing assembly was intended to be permanent.

 Note: This article will refer to the WEDGE INSERT. (See Fig. 1) The same product is also known as a Relieving Angle Insert, Shelf Insert, Concrete Wedge Insert, Brick Relief Angle Insert and/or Malleable Iron Wedge Insert.