Front Spherical Bearings

[Repsov]

Anybody know what the load ratings are for the front-lower spherical bearings? Info needed for road certification in New Zealand, or bearings have to be replaced.

Thanks

[aerobod - near CYYC]

The standard spherical bearing in imperial cars is the ABWT10, I'm not absolutely sure if it is the same in metric cars, but it will be a similar load rating as a 16mm bore bearing compared with the 5/8" bore of the ABWT10. Caterham only show the ABWT10 as a spare part, so I'm inclined to think it is the same for metric cars, too:  https://caterhamparts.co.uk/wishbones/110-spherical-joint-wishbone.html

The ABWT10 has a static load rating of 39,000lbs / 173kN according to this link: https://www.mcgillmotorsport.com/5-8-nmb-stainless-steel-plain-spherical-bearing-abwt-9634/

The metric equivalent is the MBWT16, with a static radial load rating of 164kN, static axial load rating of 29kN and dynamic load rating of 74kN, according to this link:  https://www.eminebea.com/en/product/bearing/spherical/__icsFiles/afieldfile/2017/07/28/bmwt.pdf

I couldn't find the axial and dynamic ratings for the imperial ABWT10, but the MBWT16 ratings should be very close, as all dimensions are within a fraction of a millimeter between the two spherical joints.

[Wrightpayne]

Quick and detailed response - what a great club we have!!

[Repsov]

Thanks Aerobod! It's amazing the depth of knowledge on this site!