The bearing part number referred to in the Bielstein listing is 82301195 Peter. Is that what you were seeking confirmation of in your question to John930 in NZ?
http://www.bielstein.com/lancia/beta/suspension/roller-bearing-strut-front-topThe bearings from Swedegamma (Urban) have just arrived (received 8 days after posting - great service from Swede and Australia Post!). Thanks Urban!

I shall try to post some pictures of them for future reference to assist forum users. I am amazed at how small the many needle rollers actually are in the bearing cage. I guess they are there mainly to eliminate steering friction when the strut turns and not load bearing but you wonder whether they could have been a bit beefier for longevity wear wise.
How would a solid thrust washer machined out of teflon rod work as an alternative substitute I wonder?
We are planning to do a few more maintenance jobs on the Beta Coupe at the same time as replacing the strut bearings:
- The TRW steering rack boot, (or gaiter as it seems to be referred to more commonly on this forum), is split so that needs replacing. Not sure about rack bushes or what else might be needed re steering rack overhaul? I guess we will see on closer inspection. Dad has spare TRW tie rod ends so might as well fit them at same time.
- Will check whether steering damper has seized and probably remove it altogether based on experiences of Stuart et al with seized dampers which were removed or replaced. They do now seem to be very hard to find replacement wise.
- probably replace outer CV joint boots.
- I am not sure about condition of ball joints and control arm bushes but if they look worn and parts available I guess they should be done too.
- Neil made reference to possible failed steering column lower bearing as another cause of heavy steering so that needs to be checked too. Is that tricky to replace I wonder?
Beta maintenance ...a never ending cycle
