Just ordered some new bearings for the rear linkage. The SKF ones are about £4 each, the cheapo ones are £2.50 for four. What exactly are you paying for with SKF/FAG etc - is it better sealing and better grease, or is it better precision/quality control of the metal parts? It's obviously the first two factors which make linkage bearings fail - as soon as the grease gets washed out and water gets in they are finished.
It's still a lot cheaper to buy decent waterproof grease and stuff it into the cheap bearings than paying for branded bearings which might fail just as quickly, which is what I'm planning. Am I doomed to seized bearings in another 6 months?
build/part manufacturing tolerances, quality control, material grades used, hardening processes, seal fit, seal quality used etc etc etc...
Cheap bearings aren't worth it IMO - even if the seals go on more expensive bearings, a clean out a re-grease generally gets them smooth again (so long as you've not left them full of crap for ages).
how often do you lift the seals and have a look? Shirley most people only notice when it's already too late, ie when things start to seize.even if the seals go on more expensive bearings, a clean out a re-grease generally gets them smooth again
For wheels I'd get posh bearings, suspension pivots go cheap & pack with grease.
For wheels I'd get posh bearings, suspension pivots go cheap & pack with grease.
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