UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Fitted the new Lemsforder top bearing to the n/s strut.
The schematic shows fitment to the vehicle requires orientation with the arrows fore/aft.

The new bearing has no such markers - does orientation matter?

While working around the front n/s wheelarch I noticed a large build up of crud behind the plastic guard (which, without seeing behind it gives the impression that all is well). There is some light corrosion. Wire brush, anti-rust paint and/or Waxoyl?

Also found this bung (from somewhere) on top of the crud in situ (before loosening it and dropping to the ground).

Google says that N102 266 01 is a body bung!

See here:- https://vwsupply.co.uk/car-parts-detailed/part/8184 item 3.

Orientation of genuine original VW Group top mounting:- for me ignorance was bliss, but that info might only have been for certain maybe early versions that were voided and so only very "stiff" in one direction, the Lemsforder one might just be a solid version and so has no need to be correctly orientated.

I'd be much happier if I was fitting that Lemsforder version to both sides as doing that might end up with a more controlled ride if that version is solid and the original VW Group version was voided.

Thanks for the schematic. I'll have a look around under the wheelarch over the weekend. Perhaps some mastic might help reseat the bung.

I already fitted a Lemsforder to the n/s.

Your (above) mention of the spring breaking and bearing collapse sounds familiar. However, I seem to have a (possibly incorrect) memory that the fitted top bearing had a radial roller bearing (with small needle rollers).

Needle bearings tend to be used where there is not much room, like on U/Js on prop shafts - or even in toe bearings in the centre of crank shafts in some cars.
I've seen these Polo etc top mountings being referred to as radial bearings, but they are constructed as being like a ball bearing, but with very little strength or constraint, really just to reduce friction in a horizontal plane like a turntable. Even the newer design of Polo etc front suspension has a light weight bearing though much smaller.

I missed the point when first reading your previous postings that you knew it was a bung, sorry.

Correction for above - Lemförder (a subsidiary of ZF).

The bung seems to be a stray - confirming my view that my 9n was a Friday afternoon job (of course, at some time I'll be working on another part of the car and find a missing bung!).

I opened up the old (probably original) n/w top bearing.