VCU support bearings

Border Boy · Jul 25, 2021

I have been getting a noise on my F L 1 facelift similar to the exhaust contacting the bodywork when turning sharp left and right. The weather is now a bit cooler so I had a crawl underneath, all exhaust mountings in good condition but but a lot of play in the VCU rubber mountings which I reckon is causing the noise, no play in the bearings themselves.
I had fitted a recon VCU and new bearings and brackets fitted in December 2018 which have now done just over 15,000 miles. I am disappointed in the poor quality of the rubber mounts
What's the best plan?
Go back to the supplier, who has a good reputation on this forum, and see if he would give me a good discount on bearings and brackets or just ignore the noise?
Advice very welcome

Arctic2 · Jul 26, 2021

yes go back to the supplier and ask there opinion should your product last more than 15,000 miles 2.5 yrs, personally i would think so. if they will not do anything name them so we do not fall into there traps.

andyfreelandy · Jul 26, 2021

Play in vcu mounts will be an MOT fail. As per other threads, belts, bushes, ball joint covers etc, we seem not to be able to manufacture rubber based products that last now!!!

Supplier may only offer a 1 year warranty, but let them know and see if they can help.
I have had success with the really cheap Chinese vcu mounts, about £15 a pair on ebay. I then press out the bearings and fit skf replacements at a £5 each!!
Mounts are solid and appear well made.

4Bee4Bee · Jul 26, 2021

There will be 'some' play in the VCU mounts. Might be worth checking the rear diff mounts as well, as these can be the cause of knocking/bang sounds when cornering hard.

I'm aware one of the 'reputable' suppliers had some issues with bearings failing prematurely. But I thought that was the actual bearings only rather than the mounts. After my failed bearing, I went for GKN bearings and mounts this time around.

In anywise, it's definitely worth checking the three rear diff mounts, especially if they haven't been changed in a while.

Alteredtech · Jul 30, 2021

Hi,

If you change the vcu bearing, check the propshaft universal joins for play, and replace them if necessary.
And the change the diff bearing if they are cracked or too old because they can cause the vcu bearings to worn faster.

Border Boy · Oct 24, 2021

To complete this thread:
The VCU and support bearings were purchased from Bell Engineering so I gave them a ring re the failing rubber bearing mounts. They agreed to fit at no cost and gave a small discount for new rubber mounts which I got done last week
Thank you Bell Engineering for work carried out quickly and efficiently

Arctic2 · Oct 24, 2021

Job done always nice to know you can get some after sales service, just how it should be in all walks of life. did they state why they think the bearings had failed bad batch etc ?

Border Boy · Oct 27, 2021

No problem with bearings, just the rubber mounts.
I did ask and they could not come up with a reason for failure

VCU support bearings

Border Boy

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Arctic2

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andyfreelandy

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4Bee4Bee

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Alteredtech

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Border Boy

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Arctic2

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Border Boy

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