Found a U.S.A. made Throw out Bearing

[Motorhead]

Getting ready to install my replacement clutch. The CON-OFE has worked flawlessly for 65,000 miles. I am installing a lighter clutch as I am not producing the HP I thought I wanted and my worn out left knee could use a break. The problem was trying to find a Domestic or Japanese built throwout bearing. Some here said that SKF was the only domestic built throw out bearing. I looked up TIMKEN and called their AUTOMOTIVE side of their bearing business and the lady I talked to took the time to look up the origin of the bearing. ​U.S.A. MADE!

 

[Regcabguy]

Good man! That should help.

 

[Motorhead]

I bought the bearing through Rockauto.com. It was $46.79 and I found a 5% off coupon online. It was $52.44 delivered
I think Aetna bearing might be making it for Timken. Aetna has been around since 1916 so they are heading into their 101st year. http://www.aetnabearing.com/product-category/aetna-thrust/

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Well just got off the phone with the senior project engineer at Aetna. They make a couple of the components for the bearing state side and have the rest done over seas. The good part is that it is assembled in the USA so I am working up a deal with them right now. Hopefully shortly you will see these bearings in our kits.*

Peter

 

[Northfork]

Peter thank you for sharing this with us.
As I am sure you know, the people who inhabit forums like these are always going to seek out the best parts they can find for their trucks, and, as a general rule, don't mind paying a bit more for the best. I would venture to say if you could source a 100% American made with 100% American materials Throw Out bearing that people here would opt for that, on a regular basis.
I know that when my truck needs parts as critical as these, and as labor intensive as these are to change, an extra $20-30 buck for the best is a no-brainer.


Again, thanks for dropping in...

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Well that is going to be impossible as everyone including SKF (in the throw-out bearing industry) have taken a lot of their business over seas or across the boarder. *I have been battling this for the last 6-7 years or so and I am not a happy camper. Especially when threads like this show up.

Peter

 

[Northfork]

I understand and appreciate your frustration, I am thankful there are people out there that care as much as you do. It sounds like you have done all that can be done, and for that I thank you.

 

[boonhauler]

Sounds to me like SBC is trying to 'Make America Great Again' ........

 

[RVTRKN]

Peter, it's good to hear from you again. This is the reason I buy SBC, you follow up on improvements when a better source/quality is found, and take into account the buyer of your product can be heard and input concidered. BTW, my G56 still has not given up the ghost yet. So I'm still running the DDS 3250 and its working as advertised. I love the holding power of this clutch.**

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Just sent a PO to Aetna For 1000 bearings. It will be 8 weeks for first delivery. They were kinda freaked out that we are going to buy 1000-1500 per month of one number...LOL

Peter

 

[BigPapa]

Just tell them they've finally hit the "Big Time".

Good going as usual Peter.