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I am going to build a front end (suspension) using the spare subframe and suspension bits that I have.

As I am going to build up the hubs with new bits I thought I would start looking into wheel bearings and whether there are good and bad ones.

I think the general internet opinion are SKF (VKBA 1452) or Timkin are the best, although from what I have read the SKF kit has the Timkin bearing in anyway.

While they are reported as being some of the best you can get, they are £60 - £100 each.

http://www.mister-auto.co.uk/en/wheel-bearing-kit/skf-vkba-1452_g654_a050VKBA!1452.html

So my questions are

Does anyone use SKF/Timkin bearings over the generic e-bay ones?

Does anyone know where I can get them at a good price?

If I use e-bay Trupart bearings or similar I can buy 4 wheel bearing kits for the price of 1 SKF kit.

I know most of you will be on the side of just buy the Trupart type, but is there anyone out there who likes fitting quality stuff and can tell me the benifits? Are the SKF tapered rollers as opposed to Trupart being standard?

I work for a bearing manufactor (well primarily) and after I visited the skf factory. I'd buy the cheapist bearings I can find

Why?

Was it dirty?

Was it the wrong colour?

Are you just tight?

Actully the factory was clinque clean, all bearings are the made the same using the same steel. What they specialised in was bearing placement, and root cause analysis to failure.

root cause analysis - why? why? why? why? why? :lol:

In my industry we only use premium bearing makes: RHP, Timken, SKF.
Bearings from the exotic East (China, Korea) do not have a good rep in industry.

If you can determine the bearing code (usually stamped on the inner race) a good industrial bearing factor, eg Hayleys, can crossmatch and offer you a price.

My cheap 45 quid bearing job done by the garage has lasted so far

I've had OE bearings (bought new hubs/carriers) fail in under 5k - I just fit the cheap ones as they've done me okay so far!

This is a topic I was investigating:
SKF VKBA1452 is a kit including X type 4 contacts BALLs bearing, the equivalent Timken is K74214.
I was unable to find the tech spec.s of the Timken bearing
Assuming it should be a tapered rollers bearings, in such a case it is highy recommended to replace ball bearings with rollers, due to the higher load bearing capa)
i.e. Elise parts is selling a tapered roller bearing, manufactured according to their specs. Why manufacture a own bearing when you can use the Timken bearing

A key point concerning bearing service life is the preload

Wheel bearings trucks arnt ball bearings anyway

Looks like these might be the winners. :broon:

http://www.bearings-online.co.uk/item/Brand_Automotive-Bearings_JRM3938A-TIMKEN_0_0_1624_0.html

Timken have a good rep :broon: