Replacement steering needle bearing
Thread Starter
Track Day
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Atascadero
Replacement steering needle bearing
Hi All, recently purchased a 76 911 racecar that was owned by Dan Pastorini (NFL quarterback fame).
I am doing a major refit on this car to get it ready to race in the POC in SoCal.
I pulled the steering rack and the needle bearing that supports the steering shaft.
The bearing was toast and rusted to the point of no return. After a futile search I measured the outer diameter of shaft (17mm) and the outer diameter of the rubber bushing that holds the needle bearing (40mm). I looked that up online and found that the 6203 ball bearing had the same dimensions.
I just happened to have one of those because it is the same bearing that fits most American alternators from the 60's to the 80's. I used to own a rebuilding shop for alternators so I had a few of those in my stash.
The fit seems perfect and the clamp tightens up on this just right. I was concerned about the bearing walking so I used some red locktite on the outer bearing to clamp area. I think 5 minute epoxy would work fine too.
If you are concerned about movement then a couple of tabs could be welded to the clamp to hold bearing in place. I did have my local engine builder/engineer look at the install and he did not see an issue with the current installation. The only forces on the bearing are radial so it should not go anywhere.
Buy the rubber shielded type for best longevity. It is unlikely this will ever wear out.
Heres a couple of pics.
I am doing a major refit on this car to get it ready to race in the POC in SoCal.
I pulled the steering rack and the needle bearing that supports the steering shaft.
The bearing was toast and rusted to the point of no return. After a futile search I measured the outer diameter of shaft (17mm) and the outer diameter of the rubber bushing that holds the needle bearing (40mm). I looked that up online and found that the 6203 ball bearing had the same dimensions.
I just happened to have one of those because it is the same bearing that fits most American alternators from the 60's to the 80's. I used to own a rebuilding shop for alternators so I had a few of those in my stash.
The fit seems perfect and the clamp tightens up on this just right. I was concerned about the bearing walking so I used some red locktite on the outer bearing to clamp area. I think 5 minute epoxy would work fine too.
If you are concerned about movement then a couple of tabs could be welded to the clamp to hold bearing in place. I did have my local engine builder/engineer look at the install and he did not see an issue with the current installation. The only forces on the bearing are radial so it should not go anywhere.
Buy the rubber shielded type for best longevity. It is unlikely this will ever wear out.
Heres a couple of pics.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 203
From: Virginia
It's not going anywhere unless the steering rack takes a big hit. At that point you would have bigger problems.
Good luck!
PS: One of my favorite places I get e-mail from weekly.
http://www.globalspec.com
Go to products and suppliers and type in "Bearings".
Good luck!
PS: One of my favorite places I get e-mail from weekly.
http://www.globalspec.com
Go to products and suppliers and type in "Bearings".