What size are the three bearings in the side mirror housing?

[bicycleagent003]

Hi All,

I am working on fixing the dreaded Floppy Mirror on my 80 Series. One of the ball bearings which sits in the bottom went missing. Anyone know what size I should use to replace it?

Thanks.

 

[Mandrake]

Assuming all the bearings are the same size, you can measure the three dimensions you need: inner diameter, outer diameter, and thickness. Then take those measurements over to vxb.com or bocabearings.com and use the drill down feature to find what you need.

 

[Kernal]

I think he's referring to the small individual steel balls (ie: not a complete deep groove ball bearing) located under the spring??
You could measure one of the remaining steel balls then buy that size from a number of vendors.

Here's one source:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Or, tear apart some old or cheapo complete deep groove ball bearing to find a steel ball that fits??

Post up the size once you measure it.

 

[bicycleagent003]

Yeah the three in mine are gone. I was hoping someone had one handy.
Anyone?

 

[Kernal]

Haven't done this myself so just a wag, you could measure the diameter and depth of the cleaned out holes where the original balls sat to get some number close to the original ball dimensions as it appears that those holes/depressions get wallowed out a bit from use?? The diameter of the balls may be about double the depth, depends how far the balls originally stuck up above the hole. FWIW

 

[bicycleagent003]

Haven't done this myself so just a wag, you could measure the diameter and depth of the cleaned out holes where the original balls sat to get some number close to the original ball dimensions as it appears that those holes/depressions get wallowed out a bit from use?? The diameter of the balls may be about double the depth, depends how far the balls originally stuck up above the hole. FWIW

Thanks, Kernal. That's sound advice.

 

[bicycleagent003]

Answering my own question here for the benefit of others. I found one of the bearings, and they are 5mm.
Good luck, chaps.

 

[Kernal]

OK, to summarize for future reference, the balls (individual ball bearings) that an 80 Series side mirror assembly swivels on are 5mm in diameter and three are needed for each mirror.

Did you buy a pack of new ball bearings or find some other loose ones rolling around?