Hi Guys, the engine note changed quite markedly just as I pulled into work today, nothing horrendous but quite noticable. A rolling rumbling noise, related to engine speed. Nursed her ( 1997 900SS, 944 kit etc etc) home and pulled off the Alt cover, the crankshaft end bearing is missing 7 balls !! Quite lucky as no other damage noted, but there again I have not found the seven balls yet ! I will pull off the Alt Rotor, as they are probably stuck to it somewhere, being magnetic an'-all ! The engine oil is clean and ball-free. Luckily I have the CBR 1000F as back up - cant beat those old Supersonic Sofas for reliability ! The little bearing must be a standard size, and I cant see one on Mdinitalia as yet - anyone got a part number ?
Dave, Remove the bearing outer it should be stamped with the bearing number then visit your local bearing shop or measure the ID and OD of the bearing outer and inner and width.
You have to ask yourself why that bearing has failed. Same thing happened on my 999, manin bearings had gone causing the crank to float around and destroying alternator bearings in the process.
I am a dipstick, there are no balls missing ( marbles may be ) the bearing had a flimsy plastic cage to keep the balls correctly spaced which had come adrift - allowing the balls to bunch up and causing skidding damage to the inner race. Any road up lads and lasses - new bearing fitted and back on the road.- in the warm sunshine !! Bottle of red at the ready, hoping for clear skies to see the meteors - although main shower is on Sunday night - regards and thanks to all, dp
