steering box bearings

[dhla40]

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 

[lancialulu]

Try Omicron

[andyc]

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.

[dhla40]

Omicron did not have any to hand and there were no markings on the old bearings.

Sean

[phil-m]

I have a pair of spare boxes, both of which feel smooth. PM if you are interested

[ncundy]

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.

[dhla40]

Hi Phil

PM sent

Sean

[dhla40]

I cant find a reference for 440478 do you know which site you found them on?

Sean

[ncundy]

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.

[dhla40]

Unfortunately it is the outer race that is worn, I looked at that list but could not find one matching the dimensions required.

Sean

[nistri]

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.

[Richard Fridd]

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

[lancialulu]

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....