[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] [New Search]
I have just got through calling the manufacturers of bearings and this is how it went: All companies are at a lost with our upper arm bearing. The closest is the HK 3520 from INA with alternat numbers of DIN 618-1 / ISO 3245 . The bad part about this is that the bearing outer diameter is 42 mm versus our correct one of 44mm. The inner diameter is 35mm and length is 20mm which is correct, to install these you must insert this in a 2mm thick sleeve with an outer diameter of 44 mm which would be correct. This is assumming that the suspension arms are good to prestine which would be wishful thinking. By the way my replacement arms are in awesome condition from the junkyard which is very rare. The alternative: I was performing bushing / bearing research for you guys and found two companies that would make the top bearing (I know nothing about the bottom bearing yet). Minimum is $ 250 plastic bearings for 10 bearings but for 500 dollars the price would be maybe 10 dollars a bearing. I have to send an autocad drawing to them before production. The two companies will compete for the best formal quote they will give me . After they quote me , I will ask for another quote on an enhanced outer bushing/bearing with the thrust bushing incorporated also with longer bushing bearing area to stiffen the worn arm a bit without covering the greaser hole. The bushing should have about 1mm clearance so the grease will flow when greased. If all goes well I will send them an arm , my old bearing and a beat up thrust washer with a CAD drawing. After the prototype is made and sent to me, I will install it on a junkyard car to see the fit, good fit , good buy. Total cost may be 15 bucks for each bushing. I still need to hear from the preliminary formal quote. Does anyone work doing this on this list, to compete too ? What will determine if this happens, is that you guys pitch in and buy it. Who will pay for production and sell it ? I have no money or interest in this since I fixed mine but I am pitching in with the action . Is there a need out there ? Who Wishes to make a profit ? If no action is taken . >From you guys I can tell the company to give them to one of the catalog folks that probably will gouge us for 45 bucks each for good profit margin. Just letting you guys know. I will keep you posted on the out come of the quote. By the way , I have never done this before, this is a good experience. LEON MARTINEZ 1969 SQUAREBACK EFI/ AUTO SAN DIEGO AND TIJUANA ------------------------------------------------------------------- List info at http://www.vwtype3.org/list or mailto:help@vwtype3.org