AJS & Matchless Owners Club

The last of the parts I need have arrived, the main bearings, these have plastic/polymer cages.

These are new to me, has anyone used them or are able to let me know it is time to get out from under my rock and embrace wobbly bearing cages?

The only information I can find on these cages suggests that at the temperature range of these engines, the cages will degrade and fail.

The manufacturer has not responded to my question.

I'd not fit them due to the polymer casing, the club ones are all steel caged and the originals were brass. Never had a problem with the club ones.

These were purchased through the club, they are steyr NL11 TGP with a sticker over that part # LRJ 1.3/8.

P refers to the polymer cage. I agree, can't fit these, will contact the spares service

I'll double check as well as I've not had a set with polymer cages before.

Glenn, same supplier we've used for years so something has indeed changed, I'll let you know what's going on as soon as I've spoken to Gary.

Thanks Rob, appreciate that

Hello Glenn

I've just copied you in on a mail sent to others who have purchased since the last batch was delivered, fortunately not too many.

The answer received from the supplier was, nearly all bearings are now arriving with either polymer or glass fibre cages, steel are becoming harder and more difficult to source.

This I believe is a true fact as I'm having the same issue with a L/W bearing, however it does NOT account as to why we we're not informed that at the time and allowed to make the decision to refuse them being shipped.

Fortunately we have replacements on the way and will be able to exchange for the correct spec, and will be looking into doubling stock.

Thanks Rob, must be a frustrating job sourcing these bits but it is much appreciated at this end

011543 ROLLER BEARING;CRANKSHAFT 2 off req'd

timing and drive side bearing for all the twins.

ID: 1 3/8" - 34.8 mm

OD: 3"-76.2 mm

W: 11/16 - 17.4 mm

Brands:
SKF CRL 11
FAG RLS 12.1/2
RHP LRJ 1 3/8
(NKE LRJ 1 3/8)

The NKE bearing has the steel cage. The SKF bearing appears to have a brass cage.

-Knut