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Title: steering box bearings Post by: dhla40 on 18 February, 2012, 06:11:17 PM I am overhauling a gemmer steering box from a S3 coupe and have found a couple of problems. The worm shaft bearing nearest the input shaft is rough and has pitted the race on the worm, is it possible to grind this smooth? I am having difficulty finding replacement bearings for the worm shaft, they are angular contact ball races with outer cup dimensions of 46.3mm and 47.3mm, does anyone know part numbers and likely suppliers?
Sean Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: lancialulu on 18 February, 2012, 06:22:19 PM Try Omicron
Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: andyc on 18 February, 2012, 06:26:18 PM Most bearings have a i.d size stamped on them and by taking the bearing to a local supplier they should be able to help, if not i've alawys found Omicron helpful.
Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: dhla40 on 18 February, 2012, 07:23:34 PM Omicron did not have any to hand and there were no markings on the old bearings.
Sean Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: phil-m on 18 February, 2012, 08:15:12 PM I have a pair of spare boxes, both of which feel smooth. PM if you are interested
Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: ncundy on 18 February, 2012, 08:24:20 PM The SKF numbers i have are:
440478 for the race 441065 for the upper cage 441271 for the lower cage however i can only find 440478 on google, but I'm pretty sure that they changed their numbering system; also some of the bearings on Fulvias are NLA (wheel bearing, steering column etc) so this might be another. I would take them into a bearing supplier and let them try and find them or an equivalent. I'm sure if you google bearing suppliers in you area you will find some. The shaft can be metal sprayed and re-ground if required, quite a few places do this but I would seek recommendations. Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: dhla40 on 19 February, 2012, 08:45:33 AM Hi Phil
PM sent Sean Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: dhla40 on 19 February, 2012, 03:40:14 PM I cant find a reference for 440478 do you know which site you found them on?
Sean Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: ncundy on 19 February, 2012, 07:02:03 PM It's in here, but I don't think it is what you're looking for:
http://www.heizmann.ch/_files/Kat144_BiSchi.pdf What is wrong with the existing bearings? You can get replacement balls if that's the problem, although the cage and race are more of a problem. Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: dhla40 on 19 February, 2012, 10:07:53 PM Unfortunately it is the outer race that is worn, I looked at that list but could not find one matching the dimensions required.
Sean Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: nistri on 20 February, 2012, 02:25:05 PM In the attempt to save money FIAT even decided to fit steering box bearings with plastic races in late S3 Fulvias. Despite these questionable choices, I think that a very good bearing retailer should be able to match any worn bearing if you show him the sample.
Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: Richard Fridd on 20 February, 2012, 04:56:12 PM I did once have a fulvia sport steering idler box repaired by BWE using a self lubricating plastic which seemed to work very well.best regards richard
Title: Re: steering box bearings Post by: lancialulu on 20 February, 2012, 05:49:49 PM I have had 3 idler boxes fail due to the plastic "bearing" in it. They were all refurbished with bronze bearings - the last using a cam shaft tube bearing from a Mitsu UTE that my machine shop had found to be exact dimensions. for top and bottom.
Tim PS I am sure all Fulvisti will know that when the idler box is U/S (ie the plastic bearing has worn out) then interesting throttle steer occurs at around 70mph.... |