If your vehicle is giving some of the tell-tale signs that your wheel bearings may be beginning to fail then it’s important to get them changed as soon as possible. Failure to do so can be costly, not only in terms of the issues that failing wheel bearings can generate but also for safety reasons.
While wheel bearings are designed to last for up to 100,000 miles, for all kinds of reasons, they can wear out before they reach that kind of service life. Therefore, it’s important to check their condition and replace any bearings that are showing signs of wear.
Wheel bearings are part of a group of vehicle components that have a core safety relevance. This means inferior materials, variations in quality, or malfunctions can all have a dramatic effect. In extreme cases, it can even mean the loss of a wheel. For that reason, components of inferior quality or of untested origin shouldn’t be used.
The quality of the materials and the manufacturing process can have an effect on the longevity of wheel bearings. Different manufacturers have varying standards and this will be reflected in the price that you’ll pay for your wheel bearings.
All the wheel bearings we sell at CV Hubs & Bearings are carefully selected for their performance and durability. We only sell wheel bearings that we ourselves trust and recommend, meaning that whichever bearings you choose from our extensive range, you’re guaranteed the same high quality.
So, how do different brands compare to one another and which is the best brand overall?
Here we’ll take a look at some of the most popular and trusted wheel bearing brands and find out how they can be expected to perform.
What are OE parts?
HGV manufacturers don’t manufacture HGV parts, they manufacture HGVs. This means they mostly assemble HGV parts that are bought from HGV manufacturers. OE stands for ‘Original Equipment’, and this refers to the factory fitted part.
Vehicle parts manufacturers who supply parts directly to car and HGV manufacturers are referred to as OEM which stands for ‘Original Equipment Manufacturers’. An OE part refers to any part that is the same as a factory-fitted part, but it won’t usually be manufactured by the vehicle manufacturers themselves.
As OE refers to an original part they are considered to be the best in terms of their quality and durability. The OE must adhere to the original specification of the vehicle manufacturer.
FAG
FAG bearings have a long history. They originally started production in Germany in 1883, before opening their first overseas factory in Llanelli, Wales in 1957. They have since gone on to build manufacturing facilities right across the world.
The Schaeffler Group are manufacturers and distributors of the FAG Bearing brand. They are widely regarded as industry leaders, creating superior quality products. Their bearings are manufactured to OE standards and are easy to use. Their range of products is extensive, meaning that whatever your vehicle or particular needs, you’re likely to find a FAG product for the job.
FAG was the first company to mass produce wheel bearings, and has evolved to become one of the largest and most successful manufacturers of precision bearings for the automotive, engineering and aerospace industries.
The innovation of Friedrich Fischer continues today in products for commercial vehicles such as the FAG Repair Insert Unit (RIU):
• Avoids the cost of a complete hub.
• Time and cost-efficient replacement solution.
• Easy, trouble-free mounting.
• Pre-assembled and lubricated.
• Comes complete with fitting tool, technical brochure and fitting instructions.
• RIUs are available for DAF, MAN, Scania, Mercedes Truck, SAF, Schmitz Cargobull, Renault and Volvo hub assemblies.
The FAG SmartSET range of bearings is a ready-to-fit repair solution for trucks, buses and trailers. These can be fitted faster than conventional wheel bearings without losing anything in the way of precision. Supplied as a ready to fit wheel bearing set with both inboard and outboard bearing units, it’s suitable for all axled designs, both with oil and grease lubrication.
The FAG Truck Axle Module (TAM) is a complete wheel hub. It consists of a hub flange, integrated roller bearings and an ABS encoder ring. This is preassembled at the factory and ready for fitting.
At CV Hubs & Bearings, we stock a vast range of FAG bearings suitable for the widest range of vehicles. We trust them as a brand and can vouch for their quality and reliability.
SKF
SKF are a company founded in Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century and now operate globally. They are recognised for their high-quality manufacturing techniques, commitment to quality and innovation and the overall reliability of their products.
SKF Bearings are premium parts that are produced using high-quality steel and surface finishes, premium seals, factory-grade sensors and precision manufacturing techniques. They are rigorously tested to OE specifications, for their function, form and fit. They’re easy to install, lubricated for life and pre-adjusted. They also offer a broad range of hub bearings and kits making finding quality replacement parts easy.
SKF wheel bearing and hub assemblies include everything that’s required to complete the fitting. Depending on the particular kit purchased, it may include bearing and flange, axle-nut, circlip, O-ring, seal as well as other parts.
At CV Hubs & Bearings, we stock an extensive range of SKF bearings including a number of wheel bearing kits.
SKF Cassette Bearing VKBA5409 includes every component required for a complete wheel bearing replacement. It comes complete with a 100,000 mile / 2-year warranty.
Another easy to use option is the SKF Truck Axle Module VKBA5463. It includes an SKF wheel bearing unit for optimised performance and every component that you need to complete a replacement.
Combining ease of use, an extensive range and a commitment to safety and quality, CV Hubs & Bearings have no hesitation in recommending SKF products.
Timken
The Timken Company is a global manufacturer of bearings and power transmission products. Founded in the US in 1898 it now has a presence in 42 countries. The Timken bearings range are manufactured from heavy-duty materials and can withstand high levels of stress and vehicle wear and tear.
Timken bearings are quick and easy to install and manufactured to OE standards. Their expert construction makes them tough to beat in terms of reliability and durability. Using high-quality steel alloys they are incredibly strong and dependable.
Timken Wheel Bearing SET1242 is a closed bearing unit with integrated rotary shaft seals. Because it’s pre-loaded at the factory, this truck hub unit (THU) is completely maintenance-free and features a predefined bearing clearance.
The Timken Wheel-Pac™ SET2370 makes life easy. It’s a pre-set, pre-greased, pre-sealed integrated bearing assembly providing outstanding wheel end performance for commercial vehicle trucks and trailers. Wheel-Pac has been customised to suit the truck builder’s preferred hub design.
The Timken range has stood the test of time and is well-regarded across the haulage industry. For that reason, we supply an extensive range of Timken products to our customers.
Brands you can trust
Different brands have different strengths and weaknesses, but every brand that we stock at CV Hubs & Bearings have been carefully selected for quality. Every product we sell has to meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.
As a one-stop shop for bearings and related products, our reputation has been built on the quality of the products that we supply. Our continued dedication to innovative products and commitment to excellence has allowed us to grow from a small family business to now having our own purpose-built workshop and warehouse.
FAG, SKF and Timken all manufacture outstanding bearings and other products that can be relied upon to cope with the stresses and strains of heavy goods transit.
We’re always happy to offer advice and answer any questions you might have. Take a look at our range or contact us to find out more.
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