cam drive bearings

This seems to be a case where an oil leak is an advantage!

There actually appears to be 3 variations, there are two different outer bearings listed for the later arrangement, with differing sizes, 37mm and 44mm.

 

Adam,
I still have all the old parts from that job. During lunchtime I can look, whether I can still read the bearings identification

Best
Marrin

 

Adam,
how do you know about this 'VG154'? Have you already removed your bearings?

Best
Martin

 

Since I have a lot to do with all kinds of roller bearings I would like to contact 'my folks' at SKF. But since I didn't see that bearing designation myself -and have never ever seen- I prefer to avoid asking them things I'm not aware of.
Like said. I will look later, what I had in my engine.

Best
Martin

 

Martin,

You might try Dave Helms or Brian Crall.

I bet either one would know.

 

Prefer the sources And if there actually was such a bearing designation, I think they should know at SKF or Schaeffler.

Best
Martin

 

Adam,

o.k., I looked, what came out of my engine in 1999.
Bearings are SKF 6203 2RS-1 / C4. No further letters or numbers.
They are still running fine. Like mentioned above, the seals were the problem.
Today 40.000 kms later there are no problems with the replaced bearings.

I also would not overestimate the grease temperature range. Today every good multi-purpose grease is good for 130 centigrades. And this is used in wheel bearings which can reach much higher temperatures while doing serious mountain drives. I assume, that SKF doesn't fill their bearings with something less capable.


Best
Martin

 

No argument on that, I have just replaced every bearing and seal on my engine, however I simply purchased replacements from GT Car Parts and trusted that they are selling bearings that are appropriate for the application. Maybe I should not be so trusting???

 

Cheap as chips:

SKF 62032RSHC4 Rubber Sealed Deep Groove Ball Bearing 17x40x12mm Simply Bearings Ltd

 

the RSH is the new designation for the seal washers and identical with the old 2RSH. Other manufacturer like *** called it RSR.
Regarding the grease; I don't know. Like said, I have the simple 6203 2RSH (or 2RS-1) C4 in my engine since 17 years and 40.000km and all is still perfect. BTW, internet was not so big in 1999 like today and my bearings were supplied by an official Ferrari dealer back then.
But I also do not know, whether I ever reached 120 centigrades on these bearings.


Best Regards
Martin

 

If I would have to decide, I would focus on the correct play rather than the grease temp. range.
I once had a seizing bearing on an Alfa propshaft while driving on the german Autobahn because someone installed a standard bearing instead of a C3. It suddenly seized at around 3500 1/min. Result was deafness of my wife's and my own ears for several minutes, bent propshaft, bent transmission extension, damaged floorpan and a lot of melted rubber almost starting to burn.
If the grease doesn't stand the temperatures the bearing will rapidly wear and probably begin creating noise. If it fails because of the wrong play, it may seize. I would NOT prefer the consequences of the latter. At least the front cover and possibly the gear shafts could go south.

Best
Martin

 

As a rule I change the cam belts AND the belt tensioners together every 5-6 years. I have 3 other cars to drive in the summer so the accumulated mileage is not much. I always buy them from T.Rutlands (God bless them!) and have never any cam belt issues. Instead of worrying about high temperature bearings--high temperature to my knowledge is never an issue-- worry more about placing the belts: one tooth out and you will have problems. There is a procedure for doing it properly and I would be much concerned about following that procedure. I believe the Birdman has a very good tuitorial on this subject-learn it !

 

I don't think they are talking about the tensioner bearings though. But, I do agree that the steps for installing the cam belts are important to master.

 

I just got bearings from Superformance yesterday.

They are:
SKF Explorer
6203-2RSH/C4
Made in Italy

 

I have never seen any of the many generic 6203's from any source or manufacturer that I have seen installed fail prematurely.

This is being overthought.

 

With your experience, that is actually NICE TO Hear ... SERIOUSLY.

 

Brian,

Question: What level of 'sub-nominal' would have to be vizable from the outside, before you would conclude the inner bearing is likely SHOT too?

[Hope that question makes sense]

 

I have never, not one single time replaced an inner except when I have had the engine out the trans off and the front cover off anyway. They have far better lubrication and far less load. If the front cover is off I do them as a matter of principle.

 

Thanx, Brian.