Bearings for steering column

[grnder95]

Hello everyone, my steering column bearings were a little loose and I ordered new ones from BMW. As you can see the new ones on the left are a little bit bigger than the used ones (on the right). The ones I ordered from realOEM are item# 32311150601. Does anybody know of another item# for the same bearings? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Victor

 

[tferrer]

@grnder95 -I have a similar bearing issue with the one closest to the steering wheel.

Did you ever figure out what to do and did you find the correct parts?

 

[eriknetherlands]

Would it not be possible to seperate the actual bearing from the metal housing, and replace it by a fresh bearing? All bearings I have seen so far in my car were standard (german) industry sizes. Most of these are still available; Can you measure the OD, ID and thickness? Secondly you need to know (guess) the bearing type, but I think these are just standard ball bearings, nothing fancy (apart from the metal ring that is, but I hope that can be remounted). SKF or FAG are good brand. Then just google it.
These guys (English website as well) have nearly everything, though shipment may be expensive: https://www.kugellager-express.de/

 

[tferrer]

Would it not be possible to seperate the actual bearing from the metal housing, and replace it by a fresh bearing? All bearings I have seen so far in my car were standard (german) industry sizes. Most of these are still available; Can you measure the OD, ID and thickness? Secondly you need to know (guess) the bearing type, but I think these are just standard ball bearings, nothing fancy (apart from the metal ring that is, but I hope that can be remounted). SKF or FAG are good brand. Then just google it.
These guys (English website as well) have nearly everything, though shipment may be expensive: https://www.kugellager-express.de/

Erik - the bearings are housed in the mount that is pressed into the bracket. Meaning, there isn't a seperate bearing. It's all one part.

 

[grnder95]

Hello Tyson, Sorry for the late response, I had a machinist open up the hole where the bearings fit on both parts the bracket and the housing, I measure the O.D. of the new bearings and he machined them .002'' small on the I.D. They fit perfectly
Cheers Victor

 

[eriknetherlands]

Second option; would the E10/E12/E24 part (32311107627) be compatible, with some modification? Not sure about the outer dimensions though.
This part seems to have an extra rounded flange, possibly with an extra bearing set. Is life so simple as to cut that off and be done? These are available (ebay, not cheap. perhaps through dealer? )

@grnder95 ; can you measure the OD of the original (worn) part? I will get the one depicted below in a week or 2, and then I can compare for you.

 

[tferrer]

Hello Tyson, Sorry for the late response, I had a machinist open up the hole where the bearings fit on both parts the bracket and the housing, I measure the O.D. of the new bearings and he machined them .002'' small on the I.D. They fit perfectly
Cheers Victor

Yea, I'd rather not modify that bracket if possible...

 

[eriknetherlands]

Just got the bearing from the above pics.
Here are the dimensions.
It is indeed a double bearing.

Let me know if it could work for you.

 

[tferrer]

I believe you'd have to cut that up. It can't be that long because much of it controls and mounts for the steering column are on the other side of the bracket
and that bearing woukd protrude out too far. It's hard to explain without seeing it...

Just got the bearing from the above pics.
Here are the dimensions.
It is indeed a double bearing.

Let me know if it could work for you.

 

[eriknetherlands]

I have my steering column dismantled, and boxed up somewhere. I will pull it out compare side by side.
Would be nice if we could find a way around an NLA item, even if it means hacking a part off.
Probably its just wishful thinking from my side...

 

[eriknetherlands]

-------
Edit feb 2024:
The info below is not entirely correct. See post #25 in this thread to see why the E10/24 part 32 31 1107 627 likely does fit.
‐------ -‐

Measuring them side by side, it seems the part 32 31 1107 627 is not a direct match. Reason are 2 aspects:
1) the inner dimension of the ..627 bearing is 0,2 mm too large. Its 18.2 where the spindle seems(*) to be 18.0
2.) The outer dimension of the ...627 is 32,3 mm, where the hole seems(*) to be 31.6/7/8. You won't get it in.

*= It could be that the actual diameter of the steering spindle and hole opening is different to what I post above: I can only measure my assembly just next to the bearing/ hole, as I dont want to split my zero-play column.

The ...627 is 21.9 mm long ( original is 16mm) but that extra length would not be a problem; it will actually fit (at least in my steering column; may'73 3 ml 0 cs).

The ID of the ...627 bearing measures 18.2 mm. So the axle would be 0.2 mm loose in the bearing.
The OD of the ..627 is 32,3 mm, the hole seems to be 31,6/7/8 mm. It would be too large by 1,5 ~ 1,7mm.

Possible options:
1. The ...627 part could be used, if you insert a 0.1 mm sheet of copper for instance. It will compensate for the diameter difference quite exactly.
Also you need to overbore the hole to 32.3. Pretty difficult.
2. Any bearing with 18.00mm ID and OD 31.6/7/8 mm, with a width between 6 to 22 mm will fit.

Can anyone with a disassembled set confirm the measurement from the actual bearing to spindle contact surfaces?

 

[eriknetherlands]

Did anyone ever disassemble the 2 bearings on their column (@grnder95 ? )

How did you get the old bearings (and the spindle) out? Seems they are pressed in.

My column has bearings that aren't really smooth. They rotate, but you feel some points with resistance. I want to remove the bearing, see if I can clean and repack them to see if it makes a difference. If not then at least I have them out to measure up and find (hopefully) some generic solution.

 

[grnder95]

Hi Erik,
I removed the headless bolts that hold the front plate by the horn contact pin, use small chisel to get the loose, You can still buy those fracture bolts, image 2239, 2253 and I was able to remove the shaft and bearings.
Regards

 

[JamesE30]

I’m actually just in the middle of rebuilding my steering column and did manage to find the correct bearings!
The part number is 32 31 1 150 054
Wallothnesch stocks them listed as e21 and e12 but it is the correct bearing for the e9.

They are pressed into the column and not too difficult to tap out. Hardest part is removing and reinstalling the circlips that secure everything onto the shaft.

The “new” bearings are much better but still not buttery smooth like you might expect a newer bearing design. Of course new grease is recommended whichever way you go.

Here are a couple pics:

Work in progress:

 

[eriknetherlands]

Great!
@JamesE30 : thanks for the tip.
I'll try and get the bearings from Bmw or Wally.

 

[eriknetherlands]

Just got the bearings from the dealer; still available, and even cheaper the Walloth!
I'll try to fit them this evening to see if the are dimensionally correct. (Should be, as the part numper is correct!)

 

[deQuincey]

Just got the bearings from the dealer; still available, and even cheaper the Walloth!
I'll try to fit them this evening to see if the are dimensionally correct. (Should be, as the part numper is correct!)

View attachment 177921

do i have to order 2 parts ?
thanks

 

[deQuincey]

 

[deQuincey]

do i have to order 2 parts ?
thanks

@eriknetherlands

is all these ok for a NON-Collapsible column ?

 

[eriknetherlands]

@eriknetherlands

is all these ok for a NON-Collapsible column ?

I think they are. the partnumber is at least the correct one.