Hi all hope I don't start a war here but... I just received an order of 4 new hubs for my 5th wheel from etrailer.They're Dexter hubs (made in USA)that came with the races already pressed in,the inner/outer bearings,and oil seals all of which are stamped made in China. My worries are the quality of the bearings. I have looked to replace with Timken's but from what I'm seeing most of them are now made in China, so what are your thoughts on using the China VMC bearings I already have or am I just worrying over nothing? Thanks in advance to any and all replies.

I wouldn't put them in a wheelbarrow. I posted about them here, but my posts weren't accepted. Here is my information: Brakes, Bearings & Spindles

not every thing made in china is junk, I,ve ran them in my boats for years and no problems, but I do agree when its time to change I,ll go timkin.

My Chinese bearings are just fine 8 years running. Probably due for a repack.

I just installed new Timken bearings and races in my two year old FW with 20,000+ miles. The new bearings and races are all stamped "Made in USA". I've never had a Timken bearing fail, so I elected to change them in lieu of continuing to run on a brand I'm not familiar with. FWIW, the bearings I took out were manufactured in China and did not show any sign of premature wear. If you're not putting lots of miles on your trailer, I would leave things the way they are. Just clean, examine, repack and install new grease seals as warranted.

I tried Napa, Advance and Autozone. None carried made in the USA bearings. One had genuine Dexter bearings and they were also made in China.So China bearings it is. So far my wheels haven't fallen off.

Chinese wheel bearings ? | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

ken56
Explorer
Mar 23, 2016
Just lost a bearing on a trip down to FL. Destroyed the spindle and needed a whole new axle. Don't neglect your bearing servicing.
spadoctor
Explorer II
Mar 22, 2016
there are MILLIONS of rv's ,utility trailers, freight trailers as well as cars and trucks on the road with bearings made in China with no issues at all. No matter where made there will be issues with some percentage. I for one have towed campers over 250,000 miles and never had to replace one bearing....drum....brake shoes or magnet.
myredracer
Explorer II
Mar 22, 2016
I bought a set of Timken bearings last fall from a local industrial bearing supplier - made in the USA. First place I had tried was a wholesaler to local RV dealers and shops - made in China bearings.

The most important thing above all is to do regular bearing repacks and don't use the EZ-lube feature. Don't let an RV dealer touch them (don't ask why I know this). It's a good idea to occasionally check the bearing/hub/brake temps with an IR gun.
mdcamping
Explorer
Mar 21, 2016
3oaks wrote:
Dave H M wrote:
If it were mine I would run it with the China stuff.

Timken has overseas bearing manufacturers also. Guess you got look at each bearing.
Yep. The last Timken bearings I purchased were manufactured in................China. :R

It's not just the RV industry, sadly most of the HVAC bearings we buy now are from china...

Mike
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Mar 21, 2016
I live in canton ,I don,t beleave your theory on the bearings.
seaeagle2
Explorer
Mar 21, 2016
My son lives in Canton, home of Timkin. They have their HQ in Canton, but closed down the bearing plant a few years ago. The issue with Chinese products is the prototype samples come back fine material and spec wise. Then somewhere in the plant, someone substitutes inferior materials on the sly and pockets the price difference.
jwmII
Explorer
Mar 21, 2016
My preference is Timkin. The only ones that fail are those that are not treated right, abused, run dry, etc. With that being said I have to say I have not seen a Chinese bearing failure where proper service was done. It's up to you.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Mar 20, 2016
Use Chevron EP2 Grease and roll on :C
donkeydew
Explorer
Mar 20, 2016
if you want a usa or a good japanese bearing head to your nearest bearing house.auto part stores are more price driven
3oaks
Explorer
Mar 20, 2016
Dave H M wrote:
If it were mine I would run it with the China stuff.

Timken has overseas bearing manufacturers also. Guess you got look at each bearing.
Yep. The last Timken bearings I purchased were manufactured in................China. :R

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Chinese wheel bearings ?

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