Lower Wishbone spherical bearing

[bobt]

I replaced these under 2 years ago but they're worn again already. Are there any higher grade than the Caterham ones available? What materials should I be looking for?

 

Thanks

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

YHM

[Bricol]

What are you doing to 'em?

 

Mine are now 10/11 years old, lives outside, used in all weathers, all conditions (recently gritted roads are like driving on ball bearings!) and they still seem fine.

 

How are you fitting them? Not pressing them in on the central ball or anything silly?

 

Bri

[Pendennis]

Is it the play between outer race and wishbone cup that bothers you

[bobt]

I'm not *doing* anything to them. They are correctly fitted and located. It's the inner ball that becomes loose in the bearing and this slight play then permits vertical displacement between the wishbone and the upright. I'm guessing they don't like all the kerb clipping on circuits.

[Pendennis]

Are you sure it's the inner ball to outer race that shows this? I think most if not all have play between outer race and circlip

[Stationary M25 Traveller]

Do you use bearing retaining compound to stick them in place in the wishbone ?

[bobt]

Yes, I'm sure it's the inner race and yes I use retainer compound. With the front off the ground, if you lever the base of the tyre (like they do in the MOT) I can see the ball WRT to the outer race. The last ones I binned you could feel the movement with them in your hand.

[Englishmaninwales]

BOBT

These bearings are consumable items and just require changing from time to time. I replace them every 2 years (about 15 k miles).