Domestic vs. Import Unit Bearings - Bearing Play Comparison

This quick video demonstrates the difference in bearing play between a new Timken 1 Ton Unit Bearing, a used Spidertrax 1 Ton Unit Bearing (derived from Timken), and a new Import 1 Ton Unit Bearing.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• spidertrax
• spider9

[silentknight101]

im a bit of a noob on pirate, so i wont ask this there cuz i dont wanna get flamed, but, what is the difference btwn a unit bearing and a standard spindle bearing setup? i see ppl say its easier to clean out, and that its not good for street use =/

[SpidertraxTV]

@silentknight101 We understand your "noob" on Pirate concern, hopefully YouTube takes it easy on you :-). In short, the spindle & bearing cone on a unit bearing is designed to spin with the wheel instead of the hub & bearing spinning as is traditional. This is accomplished by incorporating the wheel flange as part of the "spindle" which is assembled using a spindle nut on the back side of the unit bearings "hub".

[SpidertraxTV]

@silentknight101 The age old question of course is which one is better / stronger? All materials & sizes equal, they are essentially the same in terms of strength, however each carries its own advantages and disadvantages. YouTube doesn't have enough space to get into all, but the most popular highlights are: Unit Bearings are compact & don't require servicing - Spindle/Hubs are serviceable & allow for more user control (such as control of bearing pre-load). Hope that helps!

-Thom

[stephen9666]

Next time turn off the machinery in the background.

[SpidertraxTV]

@stephen9666 Too busy to turn the machines off, but will make a point to shoot our videos during lunch or after hours to avoid the noise. Appreciate the feedback!

-Thom

[SpidertraxTV]

Gavseiler, I couldn't agree more. The moral of this story is not "US is better then X" but "In-House is better then outsourced". There are many products coming out of China that meet or exceed those of other countries (including the US) but when manufacturing is outsourced to a third party, issues of quality control and accountability tend to arise more often then not (in our industry at least). This video is just one example of that.

-Thom

[dadoVRC]

Bullshit, you pay the quality, it is simple.

I have now a NEW FAG 6009 2Z bearing, I have warranty on it, and I pay 25€ for this.

And this is made by FAG in KOREA!

I have also buy two thin bearings (I don't remember the code, but dimension is hole 60mm, ext. diameter 78mm, w.10mm) for 11€ each.

I can't hope they will survive me...

[gavseiler]

your mistaking country of origon with quality - not the same thing. If you know where to look China / korea / India produces some very high quality stuff.

[pcoplin]

Timken bearings are made all over the world, so both of those you had on your bench may very well be imported. The country may very well be stamped on the unit bearing, also.

[peacefrogii]

I think you should be very carful when you say "import". There is a huge difference between a bearing produced in say, China, that is simply produced to be the lowest priced option, and one produced in S. Korea, that meets OEM standards for stiffness and deflection.