Play in spherical bearing, alloy top mounts

[jeremy fisher]

Hi,

How much play is too much in a top mount bearing? I guess not a lot? I noticed I have a mm or two of movement and presume this is not acceptable but want to double check before buying a new bearing.
Also, do all alloy top mounts use the same size bearing? I know the Compbrake ones use 35mm OD M17 but not sure where mine were from as I got them with my coilovers second hand. Was told they were unused too, and they certainly look it, so strange that there is play??

Thanks

[Iain]

Come feel mine if you want. Don't think mine have any
Replaced my tiebar ones because of a few mm and were making noise. Rollerball in Nottingham were very good at sorting.me out a replacement

[8valve-craig]

Come feel mine if you want.

:wtf:

[Stuart]

no play, ever!!!

cheap bearings are a problem, so you want to get a good fluro one or similar

[8valve-craig]

The bearings arent the issue, its where the circlip groove is machined. Just measure the play and get a shim made up.

[jeremy fisher]

Its definitely in the bearing, you can see the outer race is staying put and its the bearing moving within it.
Errrm, that's a very kind offer Iain!! I think I'm alright now my thoughts are confirmed about not wanting any play. I thought they would probably knock a fair bit like they are.
Compbrake sell 'Goldman racing' bearings as replacements which according to them are the best... unsurprisingly. I'll try some bearing suppliers first and see what I can come up with.

Thanks

[8valve-craig]

I use Simply Bearings in Southampton. Just give them the spec and most importantly what they are to be used for and they will have something suitable.

[Iain]

Just to clear my name there was nothing sexual implied or intended regarding my offer of feeling the item in question.

[mowgli]

OP, just go to a local bearing supplier. any tuning shop will just go to one & then stick a massive margin on.