I've got my living room floor covered with parts as I switch my PSS9 front springs to linear (350 in-lbs)...

I had purchased thrust bearings as a NAM member had advised, but another NAM member recently said that these things, especially if driven in the elements, get all gunked-up, and should probably be avoided. For reference, here they are:



The PSS9s do come with a plastic-like disc that is intended to serve the same purpose, and I'm inclined to just use those (on the bottom). Maybe use these bearing up on top, where there they would see less crud?

Looking for some input... Thanks much!

 

Update on mine. I've now got about the same amount of time in the rain using just the Biltein plastic discs, and still no noises at all. At this point with the thrust bearings, they had been "grinding" horribly for quite awhile. It wasn't so much road girt as the fact that they had rusted and the rollers siezed up.

If you want to try out the thrust bearings, go for it. Just be prepared for the probable need to take them back out. It won't hurt anything else to try it, but may cost you a second alignment.

Scott
90SM

 

Scott, thanks for chiming-in again on this topic. Your experience is quite compelling. I'm about to hit the large nuts with air.... and yes, I really don't want to dork-around doing this again if I can avoid it.

Dang, it looks like I've got somewhat of a stripped shaft thread!

 

this is somewhat related to "thrust bearings". we use these in our 1/8th gas radio controlled cars for a number of differnt thing such as front drive trains and in the clutch packs. they have to be rebuilt or replaced very frequently, as well as oiled or greased after every session if you want them to last. we do not run the cars in the rain, etc.

i can only imagine what real elements will do to a full size bearing like that on a full scale car being that it is not sealed. overall i think those are a very bad idea for a daily driver. but take that with a grain of salt.

 

Thank you. Another real-world example, albeit something a little different. I've been convinced... and they are going into the growing "pile" of stuff to sell here on NAM, eBay, Craigslist...

 

i would PM some of the guys that race here on the board and see if they have ever seen those used on a real race suspension. someone like nuzzo or whoever else is on here that runs minis semi-pro. my guess is no though..

isnt that why the strut tops have a semi-sealed bearing holder anyways?