Racy ball bearings, 164 tranny

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Anecdotal evidence is a bit specialized but it is accurate. On my 164, the 
stupid little plastic cage which holds the balls in the bearing spread 
evenly around the race, broke up. The balls stayed in the race but allowed 
play in the bearing causing the gears to grind and whine. The balls can't 
fall out so long as the inner and outer race remain in position. Anyway, 
the balls on my tranny did not fall out and the plastic cage was busted.

Of course, it is correct to point out that the bearing was incapable of 
handling the loads. Duh. To learn that the "S" transmission had the roller 
bearing originally fitted is really galling (pun intended). This confirms 
to me that ALFA are fully to blame for this inadequacy. The torque output 
of the S engine is hardly different than the output of the L (hardly 
surprising as they have the same displacement and two valves per cylinder) 
and a different transmission design is absolutely unforgiveable. I hope 
this is not correct information. I was advised the roller bearing was an 
updated part for all 164 trannies.

Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

------------------------------