Abstract: A fabric sleeve having lengthwise yarns of a low friction material and circumferential threads of a bondable material is secured on a mandrel utilizing in particular the heat shrinkage of the circumferential threads but also the axial shrinkage of the low friction material. After cooling, the sleeve is impregnated with a liquid resin and may be stored for future use utilizing the ends of the mandrel for support and handling. When required, the resin is cured to form a rigid tube. The tube has an internal bearing surface a predetermined size larger than the mandrel and may be readily withdrawn from the tube and then cut to selected lengths to comprise the desired bearings.