Is this the correct strut bearing?

[Stevehose]

Just received new strut bearings, however it appears slightly different from original, the rubber bearing part seems to stick up higher and therefore doesnt fit flush into the spring plate unless the weight of the car will compress it later. There are 2 part numbers listed for our cars:

31331101663
31331106060 (my new one)

Is this the correct part or are there 2 different kinds - Realoem says they both fit so?? Don't want to put in the wrong one at this point, I've waited too long. TIA.

 

[MMercury]

Just received new strut bearings, however it appears slightly different from original, the rubber bearing part seems to stick up higher and therefore doesnt fit flush into the spring plate unless the weight of the car will compress it later. There are 2 part numbers listed for our cars:

31331101663
31331106060 (my new one)

Is this the correct part or are there 2 different kinds - Realoem says they both fit so?? Don't want to put in the wrong one at this point, I've waited too long. TIA.

It looks like there are two separate parts. Both can most likely be made to fit with the right combination of supporting parts, e.g., spring pads.

According to at least one reference, your original is designated for the E3 (Sedans) while the "protruding/taller" mount is designated for several models, including the E9, E12, E24 and so on (Coupes, Sedans, Autos and Manual). The "Product Fitment/Applications" also indicate this later number will fit E3's up to the 2800 series. *See links below.

The illustrations are deceptive, especially when compared with your picture. Your picture may also be deceptive, since the left mount is attached to or sitting on a secondary mounting plate. The mount on the right does not sit on such a plate, unless its under the towel.

While this doesn't directly answer your question, here is some food for thought. There are several parts illustrations that are deceptively similar. The bottom illustration depicts the earlier/flatter part number "6060" at the left side of the illustration ("6") whereas the "1663" mount is at the right side of the picture ("16"). Whether this is accurate is unknown, since other illustrations selectively describe both part numbers to be on the left. (Note that the 1663 mount ("16") appears to also employ the spacer ring (no "15") that some commonly discard to reduce their vehicle's front stance. It is not 100% clear how the lack of the "spacer ring" (whatever its thickness - and there are several) will affect the overall height of the mount since at rest it tends to be stressed upward.)I would venture a guess that the same final height can be achieved for both mounts depending upon the combination of spring purchases and guide supports and base plates that are available. Some of the confusion may be explained by the fact that on the E3 there were no less than (4) four different base [plates] available. Depending upon the parts reference, these base plates are also referred to as "spring pads." Note that pn 31331100635 is 3.5mm thick; 31331113670 is 10mm thick; pn 31331113671 is 15mm thick; and 31331113672 is 22.5 mm thick. If the thicker base/pads/whatever are used in tandem with the older flat style mounts, this might account for some or all of the differences in total height between the two mounts. One supposes that the final target height is your choice - especially if you are using the older shorter style mount. It looks as though using the taller style mount limits your overall height choices. Excluding the spacer ring ("no 15" below) if you have not already done so, and different combination springs, purchases, pads and possibly struts are possibilities.

It is speculation that the differences may be due in part to US DOT requirements along with cosmetic and handling issues arising from different spring heights/rates as well as automatic transmissions, pwr steering, and air conditioning).

HTH



compare for yourself:

31331106060 (and 31331111985; 31331112666) http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/products/Classic-BMW/Guide-support/1276543/31331106060.html

versus

31331101663: http://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/products/Guide-support/1285148/31331101663.html



No. "6" below is the "guide support" (spacer) that "seems" to fit with the earlier flat mount. (See http://www.realoem.lv/showparts.php?lang=en&hg=31&fg=05&btnr=31_0462&mospid=47241 )

No. Description Supplement Qty From Up to Part No.

01SPRING PAD 2 31331100636
02Base10 MM 209/1971 2/1977 31331113670
03Upper spring plate 2 31331100906
04Gasket ring 2 31331108927
05Flat Washer 2 31332750139
06Guide support 2 09/197302/1977 31331111985
06Guide support 2 31331112666
06Guide support 2 31331106060
07Flat Washer 201/196902/1977 31331110301
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331112666
08Cap 201/196902/1977 31331101662
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331112666
09Self-locking hex nutM18X1,5 201/196902/1977 07129922764
09Self-locking hex nutM18X1,5 201/196902/1977 07129922475
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331112666
10Hex nutM8-ZNS 601/196902/1977 07119922856
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331112666
11WAVE WASHERB8 601/196902/1977 07119932095
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331112666
13 Bracket 205/197102/1977 31331112253
--Guide support X05/197102/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X05/197102/1977 31331112666
14Damper 201/196902/1977 31331112865
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331112666
15Flat Washer 201/196902/1977 31331106059
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331112666
16Guide support 206/197102/1977 31331112666
16Guide support 206/197102/1977 31331106060
17Knurled bolt 601/196902/1977 33521103812
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331106060
--Guide support X01/196902/1977 31331112666
18Cup 205/197102/1977 31332750138

 

[Stevehose]

Thanks for your reply. It appears like it will work because comparing it further to the original strut bearing, I noticed that when looking at the top side where the plastic cap attaches the rubber protudes out the same distance as the new bearing does in the other direction. In other words, it looks like over time it has sagged upward away from the strut. Also, if the rubber part of the bearing did fit flush to the plate it wouldn't turn, since the washer that goes between the bearing and the plate (#4 in the diagram) would be squeezed into making the bearing immobile. My car had the spacers originally which I took out a while ago. This is part of my lowering spring project with offset plates and I have replaced the rubber pads top and bottom as well as acquired new spring plates since my old ones were gummed up with undercoating. I have mounted it all together and installed it in the car and it seems ok unless when I drive it something goes awry. It turns nicely in place though.

 

[MMercury]

looking at the top side where the plastic cap attaches the rubber protrudes out the same distance as the new bearing does in the other direction. In other words, it looks like over time it has sagged upward away from the strut.

Sounds logical.

Sadly, when it comes to rubber strut mounts, once they are mounted and placed under continuous stress, they eventually stop looking like the unstressed new units sitting under the Xmas tree. I remember replacing mounts that were at least 25 years old and was disappointed that they looked as good as they did. The only thing that really needed service were the bearings, which needed cleaning and regreasing.

Hope your new mounts last as long, if not longer than your old ones! (Maybe someone will want to purchase your old mounts, since they still might have another 40 years of life left.) :lol:

 

[Stevehose]

I hope I last as long as the new ones will! The old mounts are shot - the bearings are sagging and crusty with lots of play in them - the new ones are crisp and solid. Definitely glad I replaced them. Wheel bearings packed and rotor mounted on driver's side. Now waiting for replacement passenger strut, the one on my car now is FUBAR and won't fit the Bilstein. At least I am half done - looking forward to getting it off the stands by mid week and seeing the lowered stance.

Hope your new mounts last as long, if not longer than your old ones! (Maybe someone will want to purchase your old mounts, since they still might have another 40 years of life left.) :lol:

 

[Honolulu]

hmmm. Which Billies (and part number)? Comfort, Heavy Duty or Sport?

TIA

 

[Stevehose]

HD P36-0024. I don't think they make these in Comfort or Sport anymore. Fits perfectly in my original strut, my car has a non-original strut on passenger side which doesn't fit the insert - I have another post on this issue. Replacement strut arriving monday.

hmmm. Which Billies (and part number)? Comfort, Heavy Duty or Sport?

TIA