Problems installing new front McPherson strut

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

I ran across two issues while replacing an 89LX McPherson strut.

First, my "Spring Seat Insulator" appears in sad shape but I can not find new ones.

Attached is Ford service manual (for 1993) showing front suspension breakdown. Part #8 is the spring seat insulator.

Attached also is my insulator (side facing downward toward spring).

So where do I buy new insulators? Car is up on jack now. I'd rather not reassemble with old insulator!

2018 12 19 1989 LX front strut 'Spring Seat Insulator' -- lower side (toward spring).JPG Front suspension drawing from 1993 Ford service manual.jpg

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

Second, the bearing which came with the O'Reilly strut overhaul kit (in addition to the new strut itself) seems different than what came out.

In the inline photo below

Back row is old parts not being re-used.
Middle row is old parts being re-used.
Front row is new parts.

2018 12 19 189 LX front strut overhaul - back-to-front old-re-use-new.JPG

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

Here is a close-up of the old bearing (if that's what it is). Note the lip pointing upward -- not sure exactly how it came out!

The "ring" to the right fits around the bearing/whatever.

2018 12 19 1989 LX front strut bearing (original).JPG

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

Here's a close-up of the new bearing (it's definitely a bearing):

2018 12 19 1989 LX front strut bearing (new).JPG

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

So, the question is … which side is "up" for the new bearing. Is it indeed the right part?

I'd like to remove the other side strut and study more closely as it comes out, but I parked the car against a wall to have more room on this side. Yes, stupid of me.

Since the bearing takes the full load imposed on the strut, I fear installing it incorrectly will soon lead to mechanical failure.

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

For the spring insulator part, I notice this thread:

https://fordfestiva.com/forums/forum/maintenance/repair-help-forum/18294-where-to-find-spring-insulator

but it's not conclusive as to finding the right part.

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

After visiting with O'Reilly, it has been determined that the bearing is supposed to be installed with the lip facing downward, but that the new bearing is too large in diameter.

If O'Reilly can not rectify the situation, I will reinstall the old bearing/whatever-it-is for now.

If anyone knows of a source for a proper bearing (or the rubber "insulator" described/pictured above), speak up!

[WmWatt]

Bearings come with a cup and a cone. The bearings go between them. The cone fits inside the cup. The first photo is a cone. It looks like the second photo is a cup upside down. The surfaces on the cup and cone where the bearings go are called the races. Sometimes the bearings are in a metal cage which sits between the cup and cone. I replace bearings on bicycles a lot. It took a while to learn which way is up.

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

This "bearing" isn't a BALL bearing. It's just two slippery surfaces against one another. Remember, it's only there to reduce friction for the plus-minus few degrees movement that the front wheels move when steering.

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

For the "spring insulator," I sent out a search party using the Ford p/n E8BZ-5415-A found on FF.com thread I mentioned above.

A Ford dealer who claims to have searched "all Ford dealers nationwide" says the part is simply not available anywhere.

I found the part (but just ONE) as NOS on eBay and purchased it, at last to have a clean un-mangled part to measure/whatever.

So … is this "spring insulator" yet another ten-dollar part, the lack of which will ultimately/eventually ground the entire Festiva fleet? The Donald should issue an Executive Order mandating that Ford must offer Festy parts for 50 years!!!

[ryanprins13]

I have some replacements. Recommended by dragonhealer. My old ones were still in good shape and i didnt like how the new ones fit so i didnt use them. I paid like $25cad a piece for them. Ill spend a few minutes looking for a part number, it should be in my build thread. Or you could pm dragonhealer- i think he has all those part numbers memorized

Sent from my SM-G950W using Tapatalk

[Studebaker]

I think aspires use the same insulator. Any rubber will work/help. I have used semi tire tubes. double them up if you want. Any repair shop should have the tube in the dumpster.

[AlaskaFestivaGuy]

I may have a lead on a bunch of new Rio insulators. Does anyone know if they're a fit?

I'd rather do this right so it will last, rather than "kludge" something using pieces of rubber hose or similar!

[F3BZ]

i think the bearing and seal and washer are still available from GREEN SALES. don't have part#s on me but will post 2morrow.

[WmWatt]

The Kia Rio has real bearings.Some people have put the top end from Rio struts on for "improved" steering. Some modification required, a large washer I think. A search should bring up the info. Bert from Ottawa wrote about it.