Ordered rear axel bearings for '76 FJ40 today, Timken bearings from auto zone were 1/3 dealer cost, but when I compared the
the Timken pinion seal to the dealers it was junk, the dealer was even a few cents cheaper. Pinion seal was made in Indonesia:eek: Have always heard good things about Timken but this makes me wonder? Anyone have experience w/ them,
what's the deal?

I just did a complete d44 seal and bearing swap...every thing was cool timken was a perfect fit ...thats all I use if I have the choice

timken doesnt make seals they only make bearings. yes AUTOZONE sells JUNK.

Originally posted by GearMan
timken doesnt make seals they only make bearings. yes AUTOZONE sells JUNK.

So they just outsource em and repackage em?

i work at Timken. we do not make seals. a few years ago they had a big push to offer bearings in a kit form for better sales of over the conter bearings. so they had a outside source make the seals and the package they come in. if it was me buying the kits i would throw the box and the seals away. keep the bearings.
steelman

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mike


So they just outsource em and repackage em? [/QUOTE YES just like Precision Gear they just buy the cheepest thing they can and stick it in there box and call it theres

Well, thanks for the heads up :) Still have yet to use the seals, but I have a few in bags still.. Think I'll trash em tonight

In the so-called global economy, you have to be very careful.

Even good old "American" companies outsource. You can get ana/Spicer parts made in Brazil and Mexico.

You can also get Timken parts made offshore.

Of course, not all "off-shore" products are bad. British steel is pretty good, and The Japanese and Swedes make fine bearings.

OK, so who makes good quality seals then.

I just bought all the crap for my 44 front and am in the process of getting it for my EB 9".

Got timken spindle bearings with seals as a kit.
Seals don't appear to be any worse than any others I've seen.

So how do you tell?
Thanks.

MJ

We had a discussion about the kinds of parts store we go to a while back. Find the kind of place that still uses books to look stuff up. The kind of place where they still have stools in front of the counter with a couple of old farmers shootin the chit. Then ask them.

Personally, I use Chicago seals because that is what they carry at my parts store.

I second the recommendation for CR seals (Chicago Rawhide), a division of SKF bearings.

Never had a problem with National either.

Bill

I forgot about National... I have had pretty good luck with them too.

The kind of place where they still have stools in front of the counter with a couple of old farmers shootin the chit.

I remember those days.
Unfortunatley as far as I can tell those places are few and far between nowadays..in these parts at least.

Car Quest is the only place in these parts that comes close to being a great parts store, with good prices, and quality parts.
Sadly they too are falling into the hole that the rest of the chain stores are in.

What major chains CRAPA, AUTOZONER, ADVANCE AUTO MORONS, etc...carries National, and CR etc...
Sadly if I call these places they probably wouldn't be able to tell me. :( Yes it is actually that bad.

If its not in the computer...they don't know at most of these places.
It sucks. :mad:

MJ

SteelHead, so the actual bearings should be good quality even
though the seals are out sourced? I saw an add where the guy
(certified master mech) was talking about trans swap and noted that he wouldn't use a Timken bearing that was made in Brazil,
replaced it with Timken U.S.A. Is this somthing to consider?
Thanks for the info.

Originally posted by '62FJ40
SteelHead, so the actual bearings should be good quality even
though the seals are out sourced? I saw an add where the guy
(certified master mech) was talking about trans swap and noted that he wouldn't use a Timken bearing that was made in Brazil,
replaced it with Timken U.S.A. Is this somthing to consider?
Thanks for the info.


who the hell is SteelHead?

yes Timken is global. there are alloy steelmills in like 20 countrys. but i know that Timken makes the best bearing in the world. we are a alloy steelmill. not a steelmill.

bottom line, if it says Timken on it you got the best.

actually the Brazilin plant makes a part of a bearing, not the whole bearing. so i doubt that this Machanic knows anything about how or where Timken bearings are made.


as far as seals, i can't help you. but i have allways liked CR seals. i look for the red seal.
steelman, (not SteelHead)

Sorry about that Steelman;) had a 50/50 chance and just missed it! Thx for the valuable info