Bearings, China or Japan/USA?

[Heypal]

During my pre season check over, skid frame idler wheel bearings are high on the list. If I find a unit that has failed, I typically call our bearing rep from my work and order a US or Japanese bearing. They are significantly more expensive than the same China made bearing. Am I wasting my money by paying the premium price for a higher quality bearing? what are your thoughts?

 

[up-high]

You are not wasting your money. Chinese bearings are junk.

 

[himarker]

US bearings are worth the money. I work on combines for a living and I see a LOT of bearings. I prefer to use domestic bearings whenever possible, as well as any other US products... "merica"

 

[Wheel House Motorsports]

i love to buy american, but when it comes things that spin, and spin fast. the Japs got it figured out.

 

[volcano buster]

I rebuilt a manual transmission back in the summer. Went to the bearing house and I thought I was buying a Timken bearing. He threw a Korean made bearing up on the counter. I questioned him, but he said they were making some good stuff and should last as long as a US bearing. Jury is still out.

I took my skid out last weekend and inserted grease in my 2 rear idlers and the 2 upper idlers. The bogeys were still fine. Found a broken front track spring hidden up in the boot too.

 

[retired motoman]

Really??

Jap's make the best stuff in the world. Germans are close but they push the electronic edge (off subject) and it fails.... often.
Jap or German bearings at this time, never China bearings.