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Wheel Bearings - Which is the best ?

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Old Jun 14, 2019 | 04:57 PM
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Default Wheel Bearings - Which is the best ?

I've been looking to get new wheel bearings for front and rear, For my C5. ''Car sounds like it's riding on a train track" I seen several to buy but which is the better .They all say about the same , the difference is price. I seen some from $56 to $400. I just want to replace and get a good ride. Can any one help with this topic : salute:
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Jun 15, 2019, 03:54 PM
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If you want “the best” and your budget can afford it, the SKF X-Tracker (also known as the HD or road race hub) is by far the most durable. Cheapest is through Phoenix Performance - look at the autox for sale sub forum. Also available through Van Steel - image has the p/n shown.

Tighter budget? Regular SKF or Timken.
Old Jun 14, 2019 | 07:46 PM
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Timken
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Old Jun 14, 2019 | 08:21 PM
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this is one of those parts if you don't buy quality, you will be replacing again soon
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Old Jun 14, 2019 | 09:06 PM
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if you search around you might be able to find some nos gm bearings when they were still made in the u.s.a.
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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 09:03 AM
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Careful, there's a lot of Chinese knockoffs out there. I ran into that problem with my diesel motorhome. Had the fronts replaced, 6mos. later they needed to be replaced again. The guy who did it the 2nd time told me to be sure you get bearings made in the USA.
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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 12:40 PM
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The Timken bearings from South Korea are high quality. I got mine from Zip.
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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 03:54 PM
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If you want “the best” and your budget can afford it, the SKF X-Tracker (also known as the HD or road race hub) is by far the most durable. Cheapest is through Phoenix Performance - look at the autox for sale sub forum. Also available through Van Steel - image has the p/n shown.

Tighter budget? Regular SKF or Timken.

Last edited by acrace; Jun 15, 2019 at 03:56 PM.
Old Jun 15, 2019 | 10:23 PM
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That's perfect ! I'm looking for just above good but not the most costly, I need quality . Great info Thanks
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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 06:02 AM
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I’ve had good luck with MOOG wheel bearing assemblies from Autozone. I’m running them on all 4 corners. I installed a Timken from RockAuto at the start of the summer and it lasted 50 miles...but I’m pretty sure it was a junk part from the beginning (typical RockAuto issue). So I won’t say Timken bearings are bad. The MOOG bearings are really well made and have survived numerous AutoX events so far. They also come with a 3 year warranty which is a plus. I paid approximately $170 per bearing/assembly

Last edited by wscott62893; Jun 17, 2019 at 06:02 AM.
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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 08:41 AM
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On average at what point, mileage wise, do you need to replace the rear hubs / bearings? My 2002 Z06 has just over 68,000 miles on it and I am wondering when I should expect to need to replace mine.
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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 09:01 AM
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Originally Posted by 1996Z15
On average at what point, mileage wise, do you need to replace the rear hubs / bearings? My 2002 Z06 has just over 68,000 miles on it and I am wondering when I should expect to need to replace mine.
I replaced my originals at 130k and they weren’t even making noise yet...I just did it out of “good practice” because I had the entire rear end apart for new ball joints, poly control arm bushings, Bilstein Shocks, tie rods, half shafts, etc.

Last edited by wscott62893; Jun 17, 2019 at 09:01 AM.
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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by 1996Z15
On average at what point, mileage wise, do you need to replace the rear hubs / bearings? My 2002 Z06 has just over 68,000 miles on it and I am wondering when I should expect to need to replace mine.

One of my fronts started making noise at about 82K.

It's very driving style dependent. If you have sticky tires on your car and you drive the hell out of it, they're going to fail sooner then if you just highway cruise most of the time.
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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 11:32 AM
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SKF X-Tracker

Do it once, do it right and never touch the bearing again lol
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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 01:42 PM
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Who's the reliable forum vendor for the X-Tracker kit in 2019?
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 05:38 AM
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My left rear bearing started making noise at about 120,000 miles so replace both with timken's from Rock Auto. A little later replace the fronts with Moog's I think. Had been having a little front vibration at 80 mph area the a few balance jobs could not get rid of. The front end bearing change fix it.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 10:04 AM
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Mine were noise-free at 55,000 but discovered movement in left rear wheel during an alignment attempt and replaced front and rear bearings with SKF. Hardly any miles since then, so no recommendations, jury still out.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by gimp
Who's the reliable forum vendor for the X-Tracker kit in 2019?
Sam Strano
Danny Popp

I'm sure places like Ridetech or Vansteel can get them too.
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To Wheel Bearings - Which is the best ?

Old Jun 18, 2019 | 02:40 PM
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Thanks for the info.
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Old May 28, 2024 | 04:47 AM
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Originally Posted by 1996Z15
On average at what point, mileage wise, do you need to replace the rear hubs / bearings? My 2002 Z06 has just over 68,000 miles on it and I am wondering when I should expect to need to replace mine.
you definitely should look into getting new bearings..
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Old May 28, 2024 | 06:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Z06Princess
you definitely should look into getting new bearings..
Well, since you revived this five year old thread, the OP has hopefully replaced his, by now.
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