white90conv

I intend to replace both rear wheel bearings on my 2000 C5. On the market are Timken bearings at about $190 each and some cheaper bearings at closer to $65 each. I would guess that the cheaper ones are made in China.

Has anyone used the cheaper bearings and did you see any problems with them?

I am looking for info on the cheaper bearings, not advice on which to choose.

Thanks

beboggled

I just bought the cheaper ones but wont be installing a side until the end of next week. Will let you know. Figured for cheap I'd give it a shot, seems pretty easy to change them out.

martysauto

I have used them before and got bit in the butt! I won't use them on anything other than an old beater with not much life expectancy.
They are trouble. Please don't use them in your vette.
My $.02

Voodoo13

I stopped buying offshore parts long ago after I replaced my tie rod ends (different car) and after one year one of them literally dropped off as I drove in the driveway. I had just got off the highway driving 100KMH +. When I spoke to another parts store buying another replacement, they told me alot of offshore manufacturers obtain old molds for parts that have been discarded because they are out of spec. My recommendation - be sure you know that you are buying a part that is from a reputable manufacturer, especially those that could become a safety issue if they failed, like a rear wheel bearing.

kirt70camaro

Advance auto you get 15% off on line and a $25 gift card and free shipping on anything over $75. Check them out. This is for online purchases only ends tomorrow.

leadfoot4

The info is, you get what you pay for!!

Smoken1

Sounds like a waste of time and money

feeder82

No experience with china wheel bearings on my vette, but on my blazer they lasted all of 10k miles and the bearing was howling worse than the factory one that lasted 100k miles. Timken second time around no problems. Not worth the work to replace it.

The Big Guy

Not to be a smart---but a$50,000.00 sports car and you are planning to install a possible less expenseive problem part.
Sorry, but my life is worth a helleva lot more than a questionable safety item.
The Big Guy !

Ray 2000 C5 FRC

I agree with the other guys, I replaced all four of my wheel bearings with
Timken. They did cost more than the cheaper alternatives and so far after about 30K miles I still do not have any issues. I track my car at HPDE events, where my suspension gets a lot of stress, and heat on the bearings. The Timken are holding up just fine.
Enjoy

TastyBacon

I have a GMB rear hub on my car. $51.40 on Amazon. Daily driven about 10k miles, no problems yet. However, you shouldn't use Chinese parts, and I can't recommend them to anyone.

schpenxel

I am using the same on mine (C6 though). I have about 5K on them and no problems so far (replaced right front and rear rear).

I may regret it later, but so far so good.

white90conv

Thanks for all the info. The car is hardly new, 14 years old with 110K miles. I decided to get the GMB hubs from Amazon at $51 each. The reviews for GMB bearings were mostly positive. These will be made in the US, or Korea or Japan. GMB is a major Japanese parts maker.

TastyBacon

GMB's wheel bearing and hub assemblies are made in China. Most of their other stuff is made in Japan and Korea. You're right that they're a major manufacturer with a fairly good reputation, however, you shouldn't use Chinese parts, and I can't recommend them to anyone.

martysauto

Good luck! They could still get loose and not make noise. If they do, tire wear could be a problem due to negative camber.

SG Lou

I could not have said it better !

I rebuilt my suspension a couple of years ago ( ball joints, tie rod ends, etc, etc ) and I could have gone the cheaper route. Instead I purchased all Moog parts...expensive as all hell but I got peace of mind knowing that it's not gonna fall apart !

Mr. Peabody

The fact is at $190 those are not expensive. You should see what I pay for quality RWB on my 95.

leadfoot4

SKF hub bearings are $150, from Rock Auto Parts.......

QCVette

A few years ago on my C4 I went with ones from a local chain parts store at about $190 each. They failed in under 20k miles. I went cheap on the next set for about $45 each and when I sold the car about 20k miles later they were still good.

On another C4 I found a closeout on rear bearings for $25 each and decided to try them. My originals were bad on a 40k mile car. When I got the cheap ones they said Made in USA on both the box and stamped on the parts. I put them in and they are fine, although very few miles on them yet.

I think you take your chances on getting a good set from whichever brand you get. Questionable quality control and outsourcing make it tough to make sure you get a good part now regardless of price.

Good luck.

kirt70camaro

Just ordered my moog wheel bearings today from advance auto. Only bought 1 because you get 15% off plus a 25 gift card. Once I get the gift card I'll order another. $143 shipped. Today is the last day for the special.