Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I did a quick search on the internet to look up the bearings for my
differential and quickly found the 2 driveshaft bearings, but have had no
luck finding the pinion bearings. The number that is on the originals is
M88043/11 made by SKF. I have searched for every combination I can think
of, but have not had any luck. Does anyone know if a different part number
that I might try? Also, are the seals usually easy to find locally, or
should I just order them from one of the usual Lotus suppliers? I'm going
to need to order a new gasket from them anyway.



The good news is that overall the differential looks great. One of the
pinion bearings had very slight pitting on a couple of the rollers, so I
will definitely change them while everything is apart. The others all look
good, but I am going to go ahead and swap the driveshaft bearings since they
are sealed and can't really be inspected. Plus they are only about $10
each, so it is cheap insurance. The seals may as well been left out since
they really didn't do anything from what I can tell. They are in terrible
condition and need to be replaced.



Nick

Nick,

The "Lotus" differential is a FORD product. The seals are standard industry types, just quote the dimensions to any engineering supply company, and they should have them in stock. They should also have a cross reference on the pinion bearings. I use Loctite blue gasket compound to make the seal. Glad to hear you are making good progress.

Sean Murray
----- Original Message -----
From: Nick Giovas
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2005 11:11 PM
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Locating Bearing


I did a quick search on the internet to look up the bearings for my
differential and quickly found the 2 driveshaft bearings, but have had no
luck finding the pinion bearings. The number that is on the originals is
M88043/11 made by SKF. I have searched for every combination I can think
of, but have not had any luck. Does anyone know if a different part number
that I might try? Also, are the seals usually easy to find locally, or
should I just order them from one of the usual Lotus suppliers? I'm going
to need to order a new gasket from them anyway.



The good news is that overall the differential looks great. One of the
pinion bearings had very slight pitting on a couple of the rollers, so I
will definitely change them while everything is apart. The others all look
good, but I am going to go ahead and swap the driveshaft bearings since they
are sealed and can't really be inspected. Plus they are only about $10
each, so it is cheap insurance. The seals may as well been left out since
they really didn't do anything from what I can tell. They are in terrible
condition and need to be replaced.



Nick