The V8 Owners Forum -

anyone know the best place to get some replacement bearings for the spherical bearing top mounts on my struts?

the bearings that are in there seem shite and loose and i think this is one of the factors maybe leading to my steering judder at a said speed,

Im thinking of going for PTFE type spherical bearings, as these seem to be better quality compared to whats in there now,
or is that a bad idea?

sizes:
OD: 42mm
ID: 20mm
Thickness: 16mm

Tony, This firm might be worth a try. I've used their products for a steering column mod.

http://www.igus.co.uk/wpck/default.aspx ... er_EGLM_mm

PTFE ends are not designed for shock loadings, only for constant gentle load changes, although they will work, they will become loose quite quickly,
The spherical ends are not being used in the designed load direction, they are designed to be pulled and pushed, not side loaded as they are in top mounts, the joints must be in the right way around, some are just pushed together to hold the ball in position, load them up the wrong way around and they can hammer themselves apart, showing up as wear, but is actually the joint coming apart,
Ideally taper bearings like the ones used in front hubs are what should be used, but are expensive to make work, but ford did use taper rollerer bearings in Mk1 Zephyrs and consuls

well i cant afford to replace the top mounts as these cost enough last year from Rall Des.
the bearing didnt feel that tight from day one of fitting them,
so wanted to replace these only if poss to make sure these were eliminated from the slight steering judder we are getting.