Wheel Bearings - Brand Differences? - The Hull Truth

petrel · 11-12-2009, 05:53 AM

Does any brand/manufacturer stand out as a better bearing than the others? Are there any manufacturers to avoid?

nautiduck · 11-12-2009, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petrel

Does any brand/manufacturer stand out as a better bearing than the others? Are there any manufacturers to avoid?

I use Timken bearings, I dont know if they market them specifically for trailers, We had an office nearby take in what you had and they would match them up. I use the same for my vehicles as well, when I replace wheel bearings or hub units I always use timken.

Bamaskeetshooter · 11-14-2009, 11:35 AM

Stay away from anything that says made in China. Their steel sucks.

billinstuart · 11-14-2009, 03:40 PM

Bama is correct. Unfortunately, there's almost no quality bearings being made anymore..they ALL come from China or Yugoslavia or something. Even many timken bearings seem to be imported.

petrel · 11-15-2009, 06:47 AM

I just learned that about Timken. Apparently some of their line is imported some is not. I am waiting for an online merchant to determine whether or not the sizes I require are imported.

Major Woods · 11-17-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by petrel

I just learned that about Timken. Apparently some of their line is imported some is not. I am waiting for an online merchant to determine whether or not the sizes I require are imported.

All the major bearing names have plants in China/India/third world etc... Whole bearing assemblies or components are shipped to US for assembly here allowing them to be labeled as "Made in USA"
Stick to any major name and you will be fine.

I currently work for a bearing manufaturer and know the practices.

DreamWeaver21 · 11-20-2009, 12:10 PM

Cheap or expensive saltwater eats them all the same. For a land based application it may be better to try and find some that are better than others, but I would think that salt water will kill a bearing before it wears out no matter where it comes from.

Bamaskeetshooter · 11-20-2009, 05:53 PM

You have to keep the water out of the bearings.

triumphrick · 11-20-2009, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bamaskeetshooter

You have to keep the water out of the bearings.

Exactly...the reason to be alot more careful with the grease seals. Also, pumping too much grease thru the buddy bearings will blow the lip of the seals out....