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VCU Support Bearings – Made better.
s-l1600.jpg

Having previously refurbished my VCU, I recognised the Support bearings weren’t up to much. They were noisy when rotated. I replaced the same set of Supports, noticing the bearings were exactly the same in both the old (original) and the replacements. They were the same with RED plastic shields.
s-l1600 (1).jpg Centre Propshaft Support Bearings for Land Rover Freelander 1 96-06 OEM GKN - as seen on Ebay.

I dumped the original bearing supports when fitting replacements, which was a mistake.

Having kept the second set, upon replacing them - again, I pressed the worn and noisy bearings from their rubber mounting. Having taken their dimensions while inspecting the mountings themselves – finding nothing wrong, I understood these mountings could be recovered with better bearings installed.

I researched what was available, discovering the original bearings were of an unusual size.

I found a new size that would fit perfectly, even better than what I removed.

The new bearing is the following, as cut&pasted from Ebay.

63006-2RS Ball Bearings 30x55x19mm Double Sealed Chrome Steel Z2 ABEC1

£5.67 each
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/63006-2RS-Ball-Bearings-30x55x19mm-Double-Sealed-Chrome-Steel-Z2-ABEC1/303509760774?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649



I’m normally sceptical about buying such items from unknown sources, and like to get my hands on them to see how they are first.

I must say, that without ripping them apart, they are a perfect fit into the rubber-holder (even better than the originals – with a difference of 3mm in width).

I’ve pressed them into the rubber mounts and now have them as a spare set. They feel excellent. And the weight distribution, because they are wider, should be a great improvement on the old originals that wore out easily.

I like to have spares, especially as I’m planning to motor a very lengthy journey, in my FL1.
 
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Aw, and there I was on my very own sanctimonious horse thinking I was the only one that could differentiate good from utter crap. Nice one dude.
It's always good to know there are others who look beyond the obvious. And you, Andy, are one. As there are many more too. :D We are not alone. Lol
 
I researched what was available, discovering the original bearings were of an unusual size.

Well done on your VCU bearing rebuild, but the standard 6006.2RS isn't an unusual size at all, in fact it's a very common size, used as trailer wheel bearing, conveyer belts roller bearings and lots in lots other industrial applications. ;)
I often replace just the bearings, when I work on or near the VCU.
 
I really need to replace the VCU support bearings on mine. If I weren't up to my neck with an MGF rebuild, I'd be doing that next!!!

Which reminds me, I've still yet to replace the diff driveshaft seals... D'oh!
 
I never new you could press them out of the rubber molding. I might put my old stock 20 year old landrover ones back in as they were a lot quiter than these new ones I put in a year or two back.
 

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