Front wheel bearings

[gus]

Can someone confirm the best place to buy these from (UK preferably) and also provide the appropriate part numbers? IIRC there are 2 or 3 parts + a tube of grease but it's a couple of years since I replaced one.

I've checked the parts cross-reference threads and couldn't identify the required information clearly.

Thanks in advance.

[GeoffSmith]

Check the WikiLEC for links.

[GeoffSmith]

It's also got SKF (best you can buy) kit numbers in the heading.

[gus]

Thanks for the prompt reply. Can you recommend a particular reseller?

[theelanman]

IIRC I got mine from SJ sportscars....not much in it really as I think they were all about £13 each

[bobbrown]

IIRC I got mine from SJ sportscars....not much in it really as I think they were all about £13 each

So what make were the SJ ones?
There can be a lot in it, low price does not alway equal a good quaility bearing!

I got the SKF rears from http://www.allpartsautomotive.co.uk/allparts/ but they do not do mail order (I think)

Bob

[GeoffSmith]

IIRC I got mine from SJ sportscars....not much in it really as I think they were all about £13 each

Closer to £25 plus postage last year.

[bobbrown]

I was quoted VKBA736 - £23.00 Each Inc Vat. but that was for 10

Bob

[theelanman]

mmmmm....could have been £26 each.....and I might have divided it up too many times....
they were top quality stuff...the garage that fitted em for me was very impressed with them as he couldnt find the same as cheap as Id got them......
it was a good while back (well a couple of years at least)....
cheers
G

[BFG in the BRG]

Just out of interest....
I was thinking of replacing the front bearings, probably after the summer, how easy is it to do it as a DIY job - I know the manual says use a hydraulic press but is it something you can tap out/use a puller on - or is it better to leave it to a garage. At the same time what else should I replace, I was thinking along the lines of CV Joint boots/CV Joints and Track Rod ends.

Ideas/thoughts

[bobbrown]

Just out of interest....
I was thinking of replacing the front bearings, probably after the summer, how easy is it to do it as a DIY job - I know the manual says use a hydraulic press but is it something you can tap out/use a puller on - or is it better to leave it to a garage. At the same time what else should I replace, I was thinking along the lines of CV Joint boots/CV Joints and Track Rod ends.

Ideas/thoughts

Firstly you will have all the issues associated with removing the hub nut which is british standard FT, long breaker bar and a length of pipe required.
The bearings them selves are an interference fit and as such really require a hydraulic press to get them in. As for removal they can be removed with a hydraulic press or you can do what I have done in the past with similar Vauxhall front wheel bearings and that is to run a couple of beads of mig weld around the outer bearing half and this shrinks the bearing a few thou enough for it to drop out.
When fitting these bearings it is essential that they are pressed in on the outer half of the bearing not on the inner race!
You could remove the hub and take it to a garage or engineering workshop to get them removed and the new ones fitted.
I made up my own small 8ton press from 3 x 16mm plate, 4 x 12mm stud bar and a bottle jack and it works a treat cost me about £25.00 including the bottle jack.
Personally I’m of the opinion if it isn’t broken then leave alone.

Bob

[Monty]

You could remove the hub and take it to a garage or engineering workshop to get them removed and the new ones fitted.
Bob

Yep, thats what i did

[BFG in the BRG]

Sounds like a plan,

although being as it appears to be one of those pain in the arse-type job I think I'll take BB's advice

Personally I’m of the opinion if it isn’t broken then leave alone.

might get the track-rod ends and bits over the summer though - any clues where the best places are and part numbers/bits off which cars?

[GeoffSmith]

TREs are Lotus only so ~£70 each!

I'd follow Bob's advice and if they ain't broke, don't fix 'em.

[bobbrown]

That's probably why I have parts not fitted just waiting for for the day they wil be needed.
No doubt that is true of other Elan owners.

Bob

[John_W]

BFG,
I have had a noise for the last 3000 miles or so which I suspected to be the front bearing. No way was I going to get into that. I'm not afraid of working on cars, but rusty suspension is not my idea of fun.

I took the car to the local specialist garage with a heap of spares in the boot and told them to use what was necessary. They called to say that the noise was the front right bearing and advised changing the LHS at the same time, as well as fitting the new driveshafts from the boot-full of spares. They said that getting the ball joints & hubs apart to fit the bearings had been a bit of a challenge and while they were there it would be a simple job to fit the new driveshafts. I reckoned they would be better on the car than in my garage so agreed.

I also had them change the dampers and springs, and the whole job was done for a very reasonable price. The annoying bearing noise has gone and the new driveshafts are doing their job rather than adorning my garage. Having talked to the mechanic, I know that there is no way I could have done that job with the equipment available to me. I reckon the garage bill was money well spent.

There are times when taking the car to the experts is the sensible thing to do, not an admission of defeat. For me, anything to do with front suspension is that time.

John

[BFG in the BRG]

That's answered my questions - wait for it to break and hand it to a garage - sounds like a cunning plan to me

[The Ref]

Have a look at this also

viewtopic.php?f=46&t=12678

Billy