Hub bearing from Napa - BRG BR930507 vs PGB PBR930507 - where from?

[Freebore]

In the process of looking for new hub bearings and found Napa offers two options of what appears to be different SKF bearings ($304 vs $184). The Proformer is the cheaper unit.

Because one is significantly more than the other, I have to believe the cheap one is from China, and then Rockauto advertises an SKF BR930507 at ~$186. Right now it appears that there could be two sources of the SKF.

I'm only buying a US made set of bearings and was starting to believe that any BR930507 was only made here, now I am not so sure. Online sources are not forthcoming about where their hardware is made, so not going that route.

Right now it appears the closest I can get is getting a US made part in my had at the local NAPA store in place of risking an online purchase.

Has anyone been able to confirm the mfg location?

 

[Regcabguy]

Open the box at NAPA. I've read where others have.

 

[mweiman]

Bought a moog at Advance this week and it said made in Korea right on the face of it.

 

[Wayne M.]

I'd be surprised if any mfr runs a premium and interchange budget part under the exact same number, unless they're phasing out production at one plant and outsourcing. I would send an email and ask. I would stick to SKF if possible.

 

[mwilson]

I have beaten the drum for Timken over the years. But they are outsourcing some of the automotive units now and have shortened up the warranty. I have complained to Timken reps several times over the last few years as i feel they are shooting themselves in the foot long term....but you really have to blame the consumer mentality where they will cheerfully purchase an inferior product if cheaper.

So my last few purchases have been SKF for the Wilson fleet.

 

[Wayne M.]

FWIW, SKF was the OE designer for the BR hub bearings and IIRC there was recognition given for the stepped/ dual diameter design.

All this said, Freebore, have you considered a free spin kit?

 

[Freebore]

Thanks for all the replies. It will be SKF, but will inspect before buying it. I'd like to go the free spin kit at some point but not in the works right now.

 

[Wayne M.]

Good luck, and good luck getting it out.

 

[sag2]

My neighbor purchased the less expensive set from Rock Auto a couple years ago and when he opened the box it had SKF part inside.

 

[Boehler]

I was just in a NAPA in Ohio. The SKF bearing BR930507 was made in Mexico. Other SKF bearings were made in USA, Korea, Canada, Slovakia, Mexico, and Italy.

 

[MarkEkberg]

Simple simple trick for getting unit out. Leave two alternate corner bolts holding bearing in a few threads. Piece together a few sockets and extensions so the end of the assembly is close to the axle housing. Throw a bungie or a zip tie around it to hold it in place. Start truck and turn steering wheel back and forth a few times. When you feel it bump don't force it just back and forth a few times.

It will pop it right out. Did it perfect on mine with 190K on the OEMs. Have helped a few others with this as well. They all popped right out.

 

[04blackcherry]

The last set of Timkens I helped my brother with on his 05 had SKF bearings in them.

 

[jetsbiker]

I used the Timkens 3 years ago on my 06, never had an issue.

 

[RPosey]

I tried MarkEkbergs suggestion as I had seen it by others on this forum a number of times. Doing the steering wheel trick did not work, so I finally had to apply heat before it would budge. Our roads are salted and brined, but I don't drive on them when they are really bad. There was signs of rust so I guess it is impossible to not get some salt in the cracks.