Re: Wheel bearing search

[John Larson <jdlarson@ix.netcom.com>]

Jason, the bearing in hand here is a sealed double row ball bearing, and the
following sizes are approximate. OD=81.9 mm, ID=41.9 mm, thickness 32 mm. I
am measuring this with a dial caliper, not the most accurate tool, and I
think there may be a very slight taper on the OD, but I can't remember. Some
of the later bearings don't use retaining rings and may be tapered. The
wheel(or axle) bearings on a the driven axles on all Audis, AFIK, are sealed
double row ball bearings.

Jason A Whyte wrote:

> Hi John.  If my info is correct at my end, that bearing number indicates
> a bearing approximately 80 mm OD x 40 mm ID x 18 mm wide, open type
> bearing, single row ball.  Is that right or is my cross reference wrong?
> That seems to be about the right size and type of bearing to me, but I
> haven't taken apart the hub on a quattro.  Let me know.
>
> Jason
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: John Larson [SMTP:jdlarson@ix.netcom.com]
> > Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 1998 11:27 AM
> > To:   quattro@coimbra.ans.net
> > Subject:      Wheel bearing search
> >
> > Jason, a little search of bearing houses over the phone may surprise
> > you. In my 25 years as a wrench and 22 years as a shop owner, I have
> > that the average bearing supply house has few of the more expensive
> > specialized bearings used in German cars, especially the double row
> > ball
> > bearings used in the driven wheels. The few they do have are often
> > priced somewhat higher to much higher than other sources. Alternator,
> > A/C, non-driven wheel bearings and perhaps some transmission bearings
> > may be available from them. However, many transmission bearings may
> > not
> > be exactly the same as their non-automotive counterparts, some use
> > uncommon combinations of inner and outer races not normally available
> > over the counter, and some may have specialized retaining grooves. The
> > int. plate mainshaft bearing in a 901 transmission has a cage made of
> > brass instead of the steel used in it's non automotive, and much
> > cheaper, counterpart.
> > Finally, the wholesale cost of these specialized bearings is
> > frequently
> > substantially lower than list when purchased through Import WDs than
> > it
> > would be through a bearing house, due to the nature of their business.
> > I
> > doubt the price of the bearing in question, 443 498 625 E (565636)),
> > would be much less than $35 from a bearing supply house, even if they
> > did have it. I could be wrong.
> > John