Elliott Progress Drill Bearings

Using my ancient Elliott Progress 2 drill yesterday it started making some horrible graunchy noises. Obviously a bearing about to give up. I finished the hole I was drilling using the back gear, and then removed the quill.

There are two bearings, a small one at the top and double row angular contact bearing at the lower end. The top bearing is very gritty, and is a standard imperial size, so no problem. The lower bearing however (which doesn't feel too bad but I'd like to replace anyway) is a metric bearing which appears to be original. It is a double row angular contact bearing with a split outer ring.

It is a Ransome and Marles bearing, so I emailed them for availability. No problem, ex-stock and £250. No, that's not a typo!

Without rambling further, my question is this - I can get an angular contact bearing of the correct size, but without the split outer for less than £20. Will it be ok? The bearing is constrained by a circlip one side and a closing collar the other side so it's width is fixed once fitted, therefore a solid outer bearing should work equally well - shouldn't it?

Andrew there should be a part number on the bearing I have used bearing services ltd in the past (usual no connection other than as customer) they have always been very helpful if there is no part number just measure the inside, outside and thickness and try BSL as before most bearings are standard good luck

Andrew there should be a part number on the bearing I have used bearing services ltd in the past (usual no connection other than as customer) they have always been very helpful if there is no part number just measure the inside, outside and thickness and try BSL as before most bearings are standard good luck

Sorry not sure why it's posted twice finger trouble most like

Mike, the part number is LDJT25, which is 25mm inner, 52mm outer and 20.6mm wide. The oddball is that it has a split outer ring. The least expensive I've found so far is 123bearings at around £70.

I'll give BSL a try and keep my fingers crossed. Thanks for the reply.

Unless it really needs the split outer I'd try without might be cheaper