Oil cushioned Oilite Sintered Bearings are fabricated from metal powders and contain approximately 18 percent oil (by volume). This vacuum impregnated oil supplements the strong, pure bronze structure and forms a hydraulic cushion to absorb unusual shocks and impacts, allowing the bearing to carry heavy loads. Self-lubricating Oilite bearings are separated from the shaft by a protective film of oil. The oil is supplied through thousands of interconnected, oil impregnated pores. Oil rises to the bearing surface when the shaft is in motion and is reabsorbed by the bearing through capillary action when the shaft is idle.