Wheel bearings for track cars

[billgatese30]

What about using SKF bearings? They've got to be the leaders in bearing production? Or even Timken?

SKF are the largest in the world by quite a large margin.

FAG & NSK are also very high quality and nothing to worry about.

The only ones I would watch out for to be honest are unbranded chinese ones as they tend to be made of shit steel and machined to lower tolerances.

[oldbimmer]

I didn't know ECP sells SFK bearings, always thought that CAS is the sole importer (Central Auto Supplies).

I can confirm that it is SKF bearings that ECP are selling as I fitted 2 at the weekend

Well, I'm glad you've confimred that it is possible to get decent bearings from ECP.. I guess you have to ask for these by name or just keep getting them to re-order as per your previous post??

The SKF bearing is not listed on their website though. What I bought was a pair of bearings made by SNR (made in Spain, apparently).. As per my previous post, the offside failed whilst cornering at Cadwell and upon closer inspection, the nearside had significant play in it. All after less than 150 miles total (about 10 of these were track miles!)..

[stoneyV6]

I have just had a front wheel bearing fail on the E30, brand new first trackday and it failed on only the second session of the morning. The scary thing was there was no warning what so ever, no noise no play it just collapsed turning into a right hand bend, wheel, disc and caliper parted company from the car at about 60mph. Left me with an interesting ride on three wheels and no brakes head first into the armco,,, lovely .

Had a look at what was left of the bearing and its a timken made in Spain,, i thought timken would be a decent quality ??? it was sold as oem.

Guess its FAG or SKF from now on but ecp say they only sell orbis or snr so i may have to shop around.

[keri-WMS]

Naaaaasty, get the gory photos up lad?

[DanThe]

I fitted SNR bearings from ECP to my chromie last year, im sure they had SKF stamps

The cheapo GSF bearings are actually a decent brand from what ive been told, I will check some I have later

[stoneyV6]

I have just been in to ECP and they kindly replaced the bearing under warranty with no quibble,, they had a bearing on the shelf it was an SNR,, opened the box and its another timken oe spec. I had to take that one as they say they only sell SNR and cant guarantee if it will be a FAG or SKF or any other brand in the box.

I have probably had about six front wheel bearings all oe spec from ECP and tbh i have not looked at the make of bearings i have been given,, this is the first one from ECP that i have had fail. I had one fail about three years ago but that was from another company and they also changed it without any haggling, the next bearing they gave me was fine again oe spec allegedly.

Is it just a lottery with other brands.

I found this on turner motorsport who also recomemnd SKF or FAG.
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/de ... 1211131297

First time in 11 years that i have not been able to drive home after a trackday ,, picture and captions supplied by a mate who arrived just as the BM hit the tyres.

[Screacher]

That's a bugger, Steve. As you know, one of mine is loose and the other a bit "grumbly", so I am on the way to replacing them before Oulton Park on 15th.

I am told by the guys at my local Andrew Page branch that their "standard" high quality OEM bearing is Febi. I was all set to buy a pair yesterday, but when I got there they had none in stock (despite phoning the previous day - tho I didn't reserve). Anyway, due to another "issue", Head Orifice called me today and I mentioned I'd rather have SKF. Due to said "previous issue", they were very helpful and theHO guy got the local branch manager to call me (all between 9 and 10 this morning). Apprently they will do SKF, but these have to be ordered and they only have one delivery per week, unless you foot the £20 bill for urgent delivery. Anyway, I confirmed before 10am (the latest time they can assure Monday delivery) and I will have a pair of SKFs available to me next week.

Quoted price is £45:11 for Febi and £57:95 for SKF. Both plus vat, so an extra £30 I decided the difference was worth it, having seen your motor lifted onto the truck last Monday

[stoneyV6]

Good work Stu,, i rang my local branch again armed with the info you posted and it looks like they can get SKF for me but want £65 plus vat. I have to ring back Monday to check that they can indeed get them and i will double check that they have not added £20 for urgent delivery.

Thanks for the info.