Front Wheel bearings: are some better than others?

[mvusse]

SKF, Timken, Precision, they all make bearings in multiple plants in Asia. Some are made in Korea, Some are made in Japan, some are made in China. Does anybody produce anything in the USA anymore?

[Strokermjcomanche]

Not any I can think of for automotive , but Silver thin , Pacamor are a couple USA bearing companies of the top of my head Dealing with machinery and airplanes . It's really a shame nothing is made in the USA anymore . Try to find a brake rotor that's made in the USA .

[husky410ohio]

Did the front hubs have dust caps from the factory?  I could not find the correct dust cap at NAPA but I used RTV and sealed a Mr. Gasket cap on.  It should keep the dirt and water out from the outside seal.

[HOrnbrod]

The hubs did not come with dust caps. The 2WD up to 1993 had dust caps but are now unobtainium. I also ended up using those same Mr.Gasket caps on my 2WD.

 

[husky410ohio]

The Timken wheel bearing I pictured above must have been defective.  I have only driven it about 300 miles.  I only drove to Heuston Woods last year and to work several times around town.  Jacked the truck on Sunday to check why I hear noise when turning and found the bearing unit is very loose.  I saved my receipt and box and will ask if they will take it back.