Wheel pilot bearings: 316 or chrome steel?

[pcatterall]

Some bearings got lost when the steering cover disintegrated!

They measure 7.9mm so I guess we should buy those classed as 8mm.
They are offered as either 316 or chrome steel. Is there a great benefit in getting stainless for this application? ( they are sealed from the elements and under the dog house)

 

[pagoda]

Some bearings got lost when the steering cover disintegrated!

They measure 7.9mm so I guess we should buy those classed as 8mm.
They are offered as either 316 or chrome steel. Is there a great benefit in getting stainless for this application? ( they are sealed from the elements and under the dog house)

Unlikely. The quality of the spring loaded seal is more relevant - and of course don't use un-sealed bearings?

 

[jwilson]

If this is out of a ST4000 wheelpilot there are no seals at all - the theory is that you should put a hose in the vent hole occasionally and flush out inside with fresh water. I assume you've managed to fix the crack in the casing.....

 

[earlybird]

Some bearings got lost when the steering cover disintegrated!

They measure 7.9mm so I guess we should buy those classed as 8mm.
They are offered as either 316 or chrome steel.

7.9mm is nearer 5/16" than 8mm. I'd expect 316 to be non-magnetic.

 

[pcatterall]

If this is out of a ST4000 wheelpilot there are no seals at all - the theory is that you should put a hose in the vent hole occasionally and flush out inside with fresh water. I assume you've managed to fix the crack in the casing.....

Sadly the crack had developed into the break up of the drive ring and when I realised that the casing formed part of the actual bearing race I gave up on the idea of a repair. I believe that the crack became big enough to jam a bearing which then caused the break up of the inner race.
I have located spares from Hudson Marine £35 for the outer case £73 for the drive ring. The cage looks fine so I just need bearings.

I will need to check again on the bearing size, I just assumed that they would be metric but the comment about 7.9mm being closer to 5/16ths has me worried!!

That outer cover seems really Micky Mouse, the crack did start at a screw hole but the hole seemed correctly placed and sized. The plastic seems thin and brittle. there is not much UV exposure as the wheel is shaded under the dog house roof and covered with the canopy when we leave the boat. Possibly we will keep a towel over it when not in use.

Thanks everyone.