MX-5 OC Forum

I just received my clutch kit, and obviously there is something wrong with it.. The spiggot bearing is a bit scratched and slightly dented it. It moves well, I wonder if I should send it back and ask for an exchange, or it's fine. Maybe someone here can help?

No it`s fine, fit and forget about the dent

Dr. Eunos

 I would send it back these bearing are usually sealed for life (lubrication is held in the bearing) so IMO the dent is an opertunity for the grease to escape, dry up and you will have a noise bearing don't forget the bearing is going to get hot and the seal in the bearing may just be damaged. I would not put it in the car and then find it was noisey later all that work for nothing

Alan

    Bearings need to be perfect when you use them, as said you can't see what damage has been done inside the sealed bearing. You would be surprised what a small piece of grit can do to a bearing once it is under load, I know I used to work for a bearing company. 

The bearing needs to be perfect, as Polly says a small bit of grit can stuff it very quickly. This one is in a really hard to get to place so you need it to be right first time

Geoff Walton:

This one is in a really hard to get to place so you need it to be right first time

Agreed

Better safe than sorry.

M-m

That bearing is fine and will perform just as well as a `perfect looking` one and last just as long, I would be quite happy to use it as it will cause you no problem. Sorry guys but the above answers are all wrong (apart from mine) and whilst well meaning are mis-guided and show a basic lack of engineering nous. fit and forget

Dr. Eunos

 Personally i would send it back for a replacement ,you have paid for an A1 part and you have not got it,regardless of where it is going to be fitted, it might last the roadster out as taff as said? but do you want to take that chance? piece of mind and value for money springs to mind.

Do it once and job done ,because it will always be on the back of your mind if fitted.

M-m

taff eunos:

That bearing is fine and will perform just as well as a `perfect looking` one and last just as long, I would be quite happy to use it as it will cause you no problem. Sorry guys but the above answers are all wrong (apart from mine) and whilst well meaning are mis-guided and show a basic lack of engineering nous. fit and forgetDr. Eunos

The bearing "May" be fine and perform "Just as well" as a new bearing, but then again it may well not. Would you want to pull the gearbox again for a £2 bearing? I wouldn't. Do it once do it right

Thanks all for the replies! As my spiggot bearing seems to have failed after 49k miles, I might be a bit oversensitive on the subject. I dropped them an email with a picture and they instantly sent me a replacement. Although It may not have been neccessary I will be less stressed about it now. 

Thanks all again for the views!

I bet many go in like that and are fine and at first sight it does just look like a small dent on the dustshield.

When we look closer though it's actually quite badly distorted, raised above the inner race and below it in parts, so I'd reject it as it may leak grease, let dust in, or squeak if the shield is rubbing on the inner race instead of in its groove.

 For New bearing                                      4

Against new bearing                                   1

Who needs a lie down now not so big now are you oh forgot your a Dr as if I would believe a doctor !!!!!!

Underdog

Ho Ho underdog indeed Lol! Funny that, I dont feel like an underdog, more like a fully trained and qualified aero technician with 30 years hands-on motorsport engineering experience. There is no reason to reject that bearing, if any of you do think it is not good for purpose then am afraid it is you that has the problem, not me 

Dr. Eunos  

taff eunos:

if any of you do think it is not good for purpose then am afraid it is you that has the problem, not me 

????????????

Taff if that turned up for me to fit to an owners roadster i would reject it, as they would be paying for an A1 part and that is not, so if that makes me wrong ,than i am glad to be wrong with my standards,

M-m

 How do you get that helmet over you head ! do you think you are the only one with engineering skills there are others on this site with experience I would rather take than read your experience  to have been in the motor vehicle repair industry but for just a few more years than you,  You certainly dont have people skills I still stand with fit new which looks  like its going to happen underdog

Alan