Who had those Spherical bearing UCA's? Bushings?

[Aaron from Aus]

Just wondering who had posted up or who has or knows where to get those Milled steel Control arm bushings with bearings?

WHat are peoples thoughts on them?

Sorry i Searched for the post i saw them in..but i could not find it.

[Boru]

I wouldn't do it unless you're car is for track use only. They will be tooth rattling harsh and exposed spherical bearings like that have very short lives due to grit and grime intrusion.

[Ed]

I'm only a year behind on this project. I just sent my drawings off to the shop to get costs.

[Boru]

Ed, ever look at these? I've thought about adapting these Currie joints. Being a Jeeper brings all kinds of cool stuff to light
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestor ... oints.aspx

[Edit by Sweeney on [TIME]1133800868[/TIME]]

[Ed]

[QUOTE="Sweeney"]Ed, ever look at these? I've thought about adapting these Currie joints. Being a Jeeper brings all kinds of cool stuff to light
http://www.currieenterprises.com/cestor ... oints.aspx

[Edit by Sweeney on [TIME]1133800868[/TIME]][/QUOTE]

Yep, I saw thoose a while ago on a road racing forum. You would still need an adapter sleeve to press them into an E28 control arm. Also, I have my doubts about longevity of the joint due to the lack of preload on the races. On the other hand, they are certainly reasonably priced. At those prices, someone out there should try out a set.


[Edit by Ed on [TIME]1133803126[/TIME]]

[Boru]

A bushing/sleave is no problem. I think that if preload was a problem it could easily be solved by shimming (or making new) the retaining washers so the the urethane was compressed slightly once assembled.
Plus... it's only $8.00 for new urethane inserts per joint.


[Edit by Sweeney on [TIME]1133803637[/TIME]]

[Ed]

To separate opinion from fact, I want to add that I have no practical tech to back up my feeling that those fabricated joints will not last.

I'm basing my belief on the fact that dymanic deflection of a steel race is essentially zero compared to a plastic race. Also, spherical bearings have extremely high radial load ratings. A 3/4" bore bearing is typically rated from 15,000 to 30,000 lbs. Urethane compressive yield strengths are typically well under 10,000psi while a steel yields are well over 100,000psi. You will need a VERY large joint to get the same strength.

In reality, do you need the strength of a steel race? I don't know.



[Edit by Ed on [TIME]1133806013[/TIME]]

[brannman]

I believe that I am the one that you are referring to with those large spherical UCA bearings. Frank Fahey made them up for me and yes, they are on the M6 race car. I don't think you'd be happy having them on a road car or occasional track car.

I have pictures, but can't upload them to my site at this time. email me and I'll send them to you. erik.brannfors at t-mobile.com

Erik

[Yellow2]

can yo uemail the pic to [email protected]

[brannman]

Sent......

[Aaron from Aus]

I was only considering this a a E34 guy thinking of getting some that will be made up...here is the link on the discussion about the guy making them:

http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=16503

Could you send me that Photo as well BranMAn: aarone2884 SPAM hotmail.com

[brannman]

Photos.....

[Ed]

That is an enormous spherical bearing. Is the contol arm bored out to accomodate the press fit bearing?

[originalMJG]

could grit contamination be fought with some rubber gaitors? wrapped around the top end of the control arm then around the chassis mount? could be done i bet, then you could have the precision of them bearings with greater longevity.

then again, i bet the vibrations of road surfaces would break the bearings anyway, cracks in the bearings or arms or chassis or something maybe? you guys all seem very clever and knowledgable about this stuff.