Manual steering box angular bearing cage

[getsmart]

Hello all,

Does anyone know where I can locate a manual steering box angular bearing cage? I only need the cage.

Pictures tell the story.

Rgds, Joe

[Pawel66]

Perhaps this is helpful: https://www.sls-hh-shop.de/main/en/mercedes-230-280sl-w113-/25-26-clutch-4-speed-box/26-a-gearbox-manual-

[getsmart]

Thanks Pawel but thats a gearbox link but I'm after a steering bearing (actually only the cage).
I found this with a different type of bearing (maybe later box) but with the steering worm and nearly 300euro!!!! 

Perhaps this is helpful: https://www.sls-hh-shop.de/main/en/mercedes-230-280sl-w113-/25-26-clutch-4-speed-box/26-a-gearbox-manual-

[Pawel66]

Sorry!

Here perhaps, if I recognize the part correctly, at Mercedes:

A 000 981 18 27
••ANGULAR CONTACT BEARING
Replaced with A 000 981 50 27
-      
A 000 981 50 27
••BEARING

Price is ca $ 100 per piece (US, no VAT), you need two pieces. Availability  here is 72hrs.

You can check with Niemoeller, but it is less expensive at Mercedes, even not counting shipments: https://www.niemoeller.de/en/w113/w113/B044/460/d46010-angular-ball-bearings

[getsmart]

Yes Pawel thats the right part number though I am concerned they've changed the bearing from round bearings to needle rollers.....perhaps the box changed slightly too....hmmmm what to do. Do you have a link for that? All my searches show that part as unavailable

Rgds and thanks, joe

[Pawel66]

I cannot provide link to the EPC system. If you give me the VIN, I can check fitment. There was no note as of which chassis the part changed - usually in this case it just fits.

[WRe]

Hi Joe,
I don't think that you can get a single cage for your bearing.
Maybe you can ask the manufacturer SKF (e.g. in Australia: https://www.skf.com/au) for measures, new spare parts or alternatives.
But I'm afraid that even a new bearing won't necessarily help with wear and tear of your steering.
...WRe

[getsmart]

Hi WRe,

Thankyou for your reply. A complete bearing (or pair) would be fine as long as I don't have to pay an astronomical price for them  The box actually appears to be in very good condition (there isn't any discernable play between the steering end and the pitman end. I noticed the broken cage very late in the restoration of the box and am concerned about the cage disintegrating and little bits getting caught in the worm. It appears at some stage they might have replaced the round bearings with cylindrical bearings. I did contact my very good local bearing guy but he couldn't locate them. Our good man Pawel is checking the EPC for me with my VIN/chassis number to see if the bearing did change....the part number changes at some point.

If I don't find a replacement bearing I might just have a go at fabricating a cage  I love a challenge especially if it saves me a new box 

Hi Joe,
I don't think that you can get a single cage for your bearing.
Maybe you can ask the manufacturer SKF (e.g. in Australia: https://www.skf.com/au) for measures, new spare parts or alternatives.
But I'm afraid that even a new bearing won't necessarily help with wear and tear of your steering.
...WRe

[Pawel66]

I sent a PM with what I found to you. I think the PNs from EPC will fit as there are no indications for any W113 on "as of" engine, steering box nor chassis number related to part change. I would go for these bearings if I were you.

I have also cross-referenced the PN in a good internet car parts store (I use this to find parts manufacturers and their part numbers), but it did not bring any result.

Last instance, just put in the PN number into the Google search line (with and without the "A" and with or without spaces between the digits) - you may find something there, but it is best to do it on local Google. When I did that, I found this:https://www.mboemparts.com/oem-parts/mercedes-benz-tapered-roller-bearing-0009815027

It seems to be confirming that it might have gone to rollers instead of balls.

[Shvegel]

FBC is Federal bearing company.  after a quick search I am coming up empty.  It looks like a 307 bearing so I would check specs on a 307 ball bearing (ID<, OD and thickness) then if it matches try to find a 307 angular contact bearing.

[getsmart]

Latest update is that I've found the correct part number/s and an alternative manufacturer but still haven't found them as cheap as I'd like  around $200 Aussie dollars delivered from overseas - not too bad but still criminal for an little bearing x 2 

SKF 307481

FAG 507293B or
FAG 522637

Category
Angular Contact Thrust Ball Bearing Single Row

19.5x44.5x14.5

[Shvegel]

It looks like the SLS item just uses common roller bearings.  If you can size what you have you could do the same and it would be stronger as well.

[getsmart]

Thats a good idea, I might try that tomorrow...

Size is 19.5x44.5x14.5 though the angle will be important.  When you tighten the worm holding nut you tighten it until the worm gets hard to turn by hand and then back it off a touch until it runs freely but with no slop. The angle of the bearing on the race would affect the feel on the wheel I imagine. But I'll check the angle on the existing one, it's probably 45deg.

It looks like the SLS item just uses common roller bearings.  If you can size what you have you could do the same and it would be stronger as well.

[getsmart]

Hi all,

I miraculously managed to locate (for a very reasonable price) one FAG 522637 from an Australian supplier who sourced this from Germany - came in the original box

Steering Box is back together now!!!

Rgds , Joe

PS. If one had to I think with a little machining the LM11949/LM11910 would go very close to working as a replacement as its dimensions are 19.05mm id, 45.23 od and 16.637 w