[ira968]

Have the OEM struts apart and bearings are questionable. Looks like these sealed bearings could easily be pressed out and new ones press back in. Does anyone have a source for the bearing or a part no.?



Thanks!

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[flash]

sit down - they are pricey - the 968 ones differ fromthe earlier cars - paragon is the best source i've seen so far, but try sunset too



you might consider the KLA unit

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[ira968]

I'm talking about just the bearing not the whole strut mount. This looks like an easily replaceable bearing that should cost about $8.00. No one has replaced these? I would find that hard to believe? Even if I can't find an exact duplicate, I'll get one that is close enough to shim and or spot braze it in.

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[flash]

best of luck, but to my knowledge nobody has tried that yet - could be a great fix

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[Ryan]

As I remember it, the strut bearing floats in a rubber surround. It is the rubber that goes south as there are no moving parts.



I don't understand how you could replace any part of the unit ??? Maybe you have an aftermarket unit on there now. Any Porsche part # on it?

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[ira968]

I have investigated the top strut mount bearing issue further and found the following:

- it is replaceable bearing made by FAG of Germany (yes, FAG).

- the bearing was a custom spec. and produced only for Porsche applications.

- FAG claims the bearing is "out of stock".

- Others on the 968 UK forum have tried to source this bearing without success.

- I was unable to source anything close enough to use.

- I read claims that Porsche dealers are able to purchase just the bearing, but don't expect them to sell it to you (not so sure about this claim).



My friend who distributes industrial bearings says any manufacturer could custom produce the bearing but would want a 1000 unit minimum order. The cost would be in the ballpark of $9 for this type and size of sealed bearing.



He also looked at my top mount assembly and speculated that the Porsche engineers probably designed the life of the bearing and the rubber mount to be the same and both to be replaced together. He also commented that a bearing in this application is prone to quick wear and will become "rough" moving but as long as there is no "slop or play" it can be used. Finally, he commented that the rubber and steel part of the mount appeared to be fine but confessed not to be a rubber expert. I would agree with him as there is no evidence of any deterioration or the rubber portion of the mounts (93K miles on car).



Perhaps this is a good opportunity for a reconditioning business if someone wants to sink $9K into bearings. Changing them takes about 10 seconds. Probably not enough demand to make it worthwhile. It's a shame because it is a good mount that you should be able to replace for about $50 bucks each. I'm riding on my rough ones for now!

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[flash]

before throwing in the towel, i'd mic the bearing and call king bearing - they can usually cross over to another brand

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