Hi Bolt,

Are you sure that the cork requires replacement as it as if there's still thickness there then all it needs is to be cleaned with a solvent to remove the grease out of it. Those thrust bearings have always been noisy units as they are not precision bearings like automotive wheel bearings. These can generally be cleaned out and have lubricant re-injected and last another 20 years of service.

I seem to find that there's a fair bit of snake oil based around replacement of SB parts with no real benefit apart from emptying ones pocket.

Cheers,
BB.

PS. if you are not sure I'm more than happy to look at it for you as we are not far apart within Adelaide's North East.

I live a 24 Hour lifestyle, but every now and again I seem to fall asleep, well at least that's what my wife tells me.