Plenty of debate on that topic. Pretty certain you can't go wrong either way. If you watch The TrailerSmith, he uses those "China" bearings and such and says "you do what you want", but he sticks with the cheaper reliable option. Personally, I use Timken because that's what I've always used. Probably wasting money I don't need to, but just makes me feel better I guess.
The stuff on our coach is Dexter assemblies (brakes, drums, seals) but they did use china bearings which I haven't ever replaced, just repacked since new. I carry extra bearings and seals just in case.
I do use Dexter Seals , yeah they are about $18 more expensive for 4 than what was posted.
I have read some reviews, for what its worth, that the cheaper seals seem to use harder non-pliable rubber and the seal springs pop out. The Dexter brand uses better seal springs that seems to stay put and uses more pliable rubber making for a better, longer lasting seal.
Who knows?! I just like the Dexter stuff.
Has a China bearing ever failed on it's own? My guess would be that most failures regardless of bearing brand are from neglect or improper installation. Over/under tightening, poor or lack of grease. I've been happy with China bearings for years. I do my own packing every two years and around - miles.
I'm in your camp. Like any product I'm sure a poorly manufactured bearing rolls off the China assembly line every now and then, but 99% of usage failures are as you mention. I've been buying the cheaper Timken "sets" and now I'm finding they may be made in China.
Timken wants about $22/seal. Seems pretty pricy and no promise that you get any made in the USA (if there even is such a thing).
I'm going with the inexpensive seals. I'll let everyone know what I had on there since MorRyde put them on when I had my IS installed.
Timken wants about $22/seal. Seems pretty pricy and no promise that you get any made in the USA (if there even is such a thing).
I'm going with the inexpensive seals. I'll let everyone know what I had on there since MorRyde put them on when I had my IS installed.
I have never paid nearly that much for a Timken trailer seal like we're talking about here. Are you sure you are looking at the right kind of seal? Or, looking for the best pricing when you search?
I don't see any recent threads about how folks feel about using Timken seals versus SOB like these from Amazon.
I see a lot of discussion about packing bearings in another post about hub savers, but noting on seals.
Is there really any difference? Other than the price.
The Timken p/n I need is .
Timken is the best for both bearings. As for seals, there are a number of good products. As for me, I only use Dexter double lip bearings, mainly due to the fact that almost all axles on RVs are made by Dexter. I have never had a Dexter seal leak or blow out.
As for bearings you have to identify a Timken dealer to get a true Timken bearing. I only buy mine from a registered Timken dealer. I have found that if you order a Timken bearing online, it is actually made in China. True Timken is made in the US.
As for bearings you have to identify a Timken dealer to get a true Timken bearing. I only buy mine from a registered Timken dealer. I have found that if you order a Timken bearing online, it is actually made in China. True Timken is made in the US.
This confirms what I thought about the Timken bearings I've been buying off Amazon and Ebay. However, after using these bearings in 2 trailers over a 15 year period I've not had any issues. I do keep them well maintained.
On Amazon and Ebay, be careful where the product comes from and who is selling it. It may say "Dexter" or "Timken" and not be. It is getting more difficult to differentiate between real and fake products. A reputable supplier who has been around a long time is more likely to not have fakes. At this point I do not always fully trust name suppliers, for example Advanced Auto or similar with critical parts.
I try hard to not overpay but encourage all to be careful. Overpaying can also be paying more for a name brand product that is a knock off.
I was told about 25 years ago, China bearings and races work fine, they are just as hard as USA made bearings. Their tolerances are just not as tight. As much as we love our RVs, boats and other toys, it really is not a high precision application. I have been using the China bearings and races on my RVs, boats and other trailers for about 25 years. Never a failure.
Preventative maintenance is important, but I use a "real life" logic to its application. RV-500 to 1,000 miles a year. No, I do not pack the bearings every year. More like every three years.
Car hauler-Some years maybe 50 miles getting compost for the garden. Bought it six years ago and packed the bearings with new seals. Haven't done it since.
Boat-500 to 1,000 miles a year but gets dropped in salt water. bearings get packed once or twice a year but that was due more to the spindles being worn and not sealing good even with new seals. New boat with gear lube in the bearing and I'm never looking back. They are awe sum!
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