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Bill M. · 04-23-2018, 02:30 PM

Bought a new set of brakes and drums for my trailer. The drums come with races installed and the bearings. The bearings are from China. (that is what I expected) Has anybody had bearings from China fail? Should I use them? Should I toss them and buy Timken? The last time I bought Timken was 4 years ago at NAPA and they were made in Mexico. The one I cleaned today sure does look good after 3 years use.

What about the seals that come with the drums? Do they work okay?

My inclination is to just lube them up and go with them. I sorta hate to try to drive out the races.

Steamy1 · 04-23-2018, 03:00 PM

I replaced the bearings, seals and races on both of our trailers with Timken. The Timken just feels heavier and more substantial. Some of the Timken bearings were made in USA and some made in Taiwan. The seals were made in Indonesia.

I think the Timken metallurgy is better than the Chinese products.

Moflash · 04-23-2018, 04:41 PM

I buy USA made Tinken bearings and races on Amazon.

garry · 04-23-2018, 05:01 PM

According to my son who works in the industry Timken no longer makes auto or trailer bearings not sure who bought the rights to the name.

Tyvekcat · 04-23-2018, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garry

According to my son who works in the industry Timken no longer makes auto or trailer bearings not sure who bought the rights to the name.

That is just plain sad.

Bill M. Grease them up good and roll with them. If there is no play, check them next year.
Have a good one safe travels !

woodfox45 · 04-23-2018, 05:22 PM

when I replaced my brakes in my previous airstream Dexter Brakes and China bearings they held up but I checked and repacked every 2 years .

**Action** · 04-24-2018, 09:11 AM

The majority of wheel bearing failures are from incorrect installation. Either foreign material introduced in the grease (re) packing process or incorrect installation and preloading of the wheel bearings.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

Moflash · 04-24-2018, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garry

According to my son who works in the industry Timken no longer makes auto or trailer bearings not sure who bought the rights to the name.

I think he must be confused.Just Google Timken bearings they are a global company and continue to make automobile and trailer bearings.They are still available made in the USA but you have to search Amazon.

Ruscal · 04-24-2018, 10:28 PM

Timken bearings are of excellent quality whether made in the US or any of their foreign plants. If using the no name china bearings, you can up your odds by using a high quality grease and setting preload properly. Then inspect after the first year to see how they are doing.
Good luck!
Russ

Peanut · 04-25-2018, 03:29 AM

The “genuine” Dexter bearings that I just replaced are stamped made in China. Turns out that there was nothing was wrong with the originals, but I wanted a new set on hand just in case. They came in a kit with news races, seals and pins. Pretty cheap by Airstream standards.

PaulnGina · 04-25-2018, 05:36 AM

If anyone is looking for Timken bearings and races, I got a great price on them at RockAuto.com.

crispyboy · 04-25-2018, 07:06 AM

I would replace the bearings/races made of Chinesium with the Timkens - that's what I did....
One of my good friends replaces spindles (patented process) for a living on light, medium and large trucks as well as trailers and other equipment. He tells me that the foreign bearings do not hold up to rigors of high usage or over loading the axle bearings. The foreign bearings will fail much more rapidly vs. a proven manufacturer. It can be difference of failure within a month on foreign and years on a proven manufacturer. Which ever you choose just do the preventative maintenance.

Bill M. · 04-25-2018, 08:29 AM

Thanks for all who replied. Ordered Timken bearings and seals from Amazon. If I get the right ones that is what I am going with.

KAYAKAMPERS · 09-23-2018, 07:08 AM

So I am curious, how do you find your correct inner and outer Timken bearings, races and seals on Amazon? I would order, but I am not sure how to find the correct fit for my 1966 Overlander with original axles. I have one hub that needs replacing. My other Timkens are in good shape.

**Action** · 09-23-2018, 09:51 AM

Many times the bearing is stamped on the side of the cage with the number.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action

tjdonahoe · 09-23-2018, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill M.

Bought a new set of brakes and drums for my trailer. The drums come with races installed and the bearings. The bearings are from China. (that is what I expected) Has anybody had bearings from China fail? Should I use them? Should I toss them and buy Timken? The last time I bought Timken was 4 years ago at NAPA and they were made in Mexico. The one I cleaned today sure does look good after 3 years use.

What about the seals that come with the drums? Do they work okay?

My inclination is to just lube them up and go with them. I sorta hate to try to drive out the races.

Pack them and run them..I never had a problem with them...make sure that the the nut is not over tight....just snug

KAYAKAMPERS · 09-24-2018, 05:35 AM

"Many times the bearing is stamped on the side of the cage with the number.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Action"

My 1966 bearings DO have numbers on them, but the number doesn't translate to any current Timken or any other brand number currently listed on Amazon or elsewhere. By the way, does anyone know if Inland RV has closed. Their website is down. They always had a good site to find parts.

ROBERT CROSS · 09-24-2018, 06:12 AM

...snip "What about the seals that come with the drums? Do they work okay?"

Make sure they are "double lip"

Bob
🇺🇸

wimpy · 09-24-2018, 06:22 AM

Back when Sam Walton & major US manufacturers were touting "Buy USA, Crafted in the USA, etc.", I walked into a friend's shop while he was working on a new E250 Ford package delivery van (high miles). Its straight drive transmission was sitting on a bench, the pilot bearing was a Koyo.

I sold Japanese & Chinese bearings for 10+ years to my material handling clients & never had a warranty issue.

wimpy · 09-24-2018, 06:35 AM

Back when Sam Walton & major US manufacturers were touting "Buy USA, Crafted in the USA, etc.", I walked into a friend's shop while he was working on a new E250 Ford package delivery van (high miles). Its straight drive transmission was sitting on a bench, the pilot bearing was a Koyo.

I sold Japanese & Chinese bearings for 10+ years to my material handling clients & never had a warranty issue.

Follow Ruscal's advice, no debris, high quality grease & set the pre-loads correctly. As far as numbers go, call a bearing supply house (Motion Industries maybe?) & they should be able to cross the number or take the bearings in & let them check the dimensions to come up with a replacement (NAPA may be able to assist, depending on the competency of the counter person).