Hi Dan,
        I hope you were successful in finding the bearing. 

        I am noticing the wear starting on the lower track of my sliding door where that bearing rolls.  I actually try to leave my door open if I’m going to be in and out so that I minimize the constant movement.   

        The most important thing I’ve learned is to keep all the door surfaces clean and just a thin clean lubricant.  And then clean again after every adventure.  

Eric 

> On Nov 20, 2022, at 12:11 AM, Dan N <dn92610@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> hi all,
> 
> I recently replaced the bearings on the sliding door (a 1988 tintop van).
> The lower bearing (vertical) was worn to the nub, it was replaced 3 years
> ago with a plastic/Derin bearing. On my other van it was replaced with an
> aluminum one 12 years ago and is still working fine.
> 
> I'd think the plastic/Derin one is not as good as the OEM aluminum one
> *(tempted
> to say it's bad).*
> 
> How about you? Any experience to share?
> I am looking for a couple of aluminum ones... maybe Ken Wilford can help...
> 
> (The vertical shiny one on the left of the picture)
> https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=2345938
> 
> thanks,
> 
> dan