I need some new bearings for my frame linkages (Meta 55) and Pro 2 hub. I could buy the manufacturer parts but I fear they're overpriced and I keep hearing they're not the best quality.
So as these are generic bearings I can buy compatible parts from a number of sources, but what makes, brands or types of bearings are the best quality for dealing with mud and grit the bike parts are exposed to?
The linkage bearings are all 608 2RS, and I need to look up for the hub. Is there any benefit to buying ceramic bearings? I can get full ceramic, steel with ceramic balls, or plain steel with costs from £1 each to ~£15 each.
I wouldn't go ceramic - get bearings from a reputable supplier. SKF, FAG are two good brands IIRC. there are others
SKF are very high standard, but wouldn't bother with ceramic as not much movement in a frame bearing.
Try Bearing King on-line , every bearing avalable will be listed there .
http://simplybearings.co.uk or see if you have local bearing suppliers.
Add Timken & INA to the list of decent bearing manufacturers mentioned above, if there no name, then their rubbish chinese imports that IME will not last, and so are not worth bothering with.
608 2RS = the bit 608 is the bearing size, the 2RS is 2 rubber shields (one either side).
Thanks all for your help. SKF bearings now ordered from Bearing King. Simply bearings were a little more expensive overall.
I'll need to fit the bearings so what's the best way? I already have the Hope drifts for the hub, but for the linkage bearings I was just going to buy a short length of brass bar from ebay to use as a drift. I've tried the socket method before but ended up damaging the rubber seal.
The linkage bearings all come out fairly easily. IIRC There's an internal hollow axle on one set that needs displacing slightly to one side so you can poke a drift through to the back of the opposite bearing & work it out. Keep one of the old bearings to use on top of the new when you're pressing them back in - stops the new one geting damaged.
If you're considering doing the main pivot bearings yourself then (unless it's a 2007 or earlier model) my advice would be DON'T. They can be absolute buggers to get out & even worse to get back in. I spent hours a couple of years ago trying. Far more hassle than you would think. Get your LBO to do them.
I got all the bearings out easily enough and I did have a look at doing the main pivot bearing a few months ago but ended up taking it to my LBS. Good tip about using the old bearing though - thanks.