shouldn't new bearings rotate smoothly?

Post by **KeninKenmore** » 16 Mar 2013, 13:35

I was getting the typical howl from the rear of my XC90 (73,000mi) - so I ordered a set of bearings from Rock Auto - they are Timken (actually, Timken boxes with SKF bearings in them). When I got them out of the wrapper, the hub did not rotate freely, but seemed stuck. Had to apply quite a few pounds of pressure then they popped loose... but when I rotate back, they stop at the same spot - like a detent. When I rotate them around several times they smooth out... but that doesn't seem right. Every time I've ever bought bearings, they've always rotated butter smooth from the get go. One of them even seems like it has rough spots. Anyone have any feedback? These are quality bearings...I don't want to go through the effort to put in bad bearings!

There are no visible signs of corrosion, or anything that would make me feel like they'd been stored too long, or in a moist environment...

Post by **KeninKenmore** » 23 Mar 2013, 20:24

Ok, not many responses here... like (0). So, I'll add to it myself - evidently a "void" of knowledge on this subject

. My replacements from Rock Auto came today - exactly the same as the ones they replaced! Same "stuck" and requiring excessive force to get to rotate, then they "click" when turned back to that spot... even if rotated several times they have noticeable flat spots. So, in frustration I brought up NapaOnline on my laptop. They had their "pro" quality (not their best) in stock. I went up there and felt it; smooth with no force required to get rotating.... talking with the counter help, he offered to have their better ones shipped in if I wanted. Their better line is made by... SKF! I declined since I've gone through (4) Timken/SKF that were bad. I personally like to replace with upgrade parts, but in this case, I just want bearings that are smooth! Also, Napa parts are cheaper if you order online and pickup in store (at least at my local) instead of going straight to their counter (saves their time/labor to lookup, process more customers, etc). I was able to buy either their "pro" quality or their best (SKF) cheaper than I could at Rock Auto... So, if you buy bearings/hubs for an XC90 and they aren't butter smooth - don't install them! They are NOT supposed to be like that!! And, if you're in the market for bearings and want the best, Napa's top quality ($125 on line) are SKF in a Napa box. I bought the "pros" at $102 ea. Now I just need to install them...

Post by **JDS60R** » 23 Mar 2013, 20:28

Timken is no longer a good name- they sold out. I have installed several Timkens lately by customer choice on Explorers ( They eat bearings) . The units have not failed but that would not go on my car. Order an SKF, INA, or FAG bearing and you will get the quality you are used to.

Post by **KeninKenmore** » 23 Mar 2013, 22:23

JDS60R - there's the joke though - when I take the 'Timkens' out of their box, they are engraved SKF in a couple places... I had read (I think on this forum) that there aren't very many manufacturers actually making the bearing for the XC90's, so they are cooperating and just reboxing the product. I guess they 'share' like this on a few different models. That is discouraging though, from my days of off-roading with my International Scout, I had grown to respect Timken... so when I found Timken's and they were actually SKF I thought I couldn't lose; both were 'top shelf' in my book... but not. They're still in the garage, haven't shipped 'em back yet... maybe I'll post a couple pics just for giggles.

Post by **JDS60R** » 23 Mar 2013, 23:05

Where is Kenmore?

Post by **JDS60R** » 23 Mar 2013, 23:19

You may be right.

I take back what I said about the SKF being smooth. I thought that is what it said in the FAG box so I went to the garage to double check. The FAG bearings are FAG's there is a label on the grease guard that says VHR so its part of the Schaeffler group ( all good stuff)

Sorry about the SKF issues - Its good to know that they are not good anymore either.

Post by **JDS60R** » 23 Mar 2013, 23:34

Looking at the RA site the SKF and Timkens look different. I do see the SKF on the Timkens bolt flange. Is it possible you got a Timken bearing in an SKF hub?

The SKF's were cheaper also.

Please post some pics of the bearing grease cover so everyone can see.

Post by **KeninKenmore** » 25 Mar 2013, 16:20

Kenmore is 15-miles north of Seattle...

Here are pics that I have of the bearing so far... will post others when I get them.

XC90 - Timken boxes

XC90 - SKF label1

XC90 - SKF label2

XC90 - SKF label3

Post by **JDS60R** » 25 Mar 2013, 19:20

Thanks !!!
Can you post one of the grease cover on the bearing please !!!

Post by **KeninKenmore** » 25 Mar 2013, 22:08

OK JDS60R,

here are several views of the new "Timken/SKF" bearing... looking at the bearing side... there are no markings.

I also took a shot of the original SKF I just took off, one with all the fabulous grime, and one with it scraped... no markings there either. I'll be picking up the other NAPA hub tomorrow (most likely), don't need it yet; at least I can't hear anything, and the dealership didn't note it at servicing last week. But with how bad this one was (it rattled when shook), I don't want to push the other side at all.

New Timken-SKF hub bearing view 1

New Timken-SKF hub bearing view 2 w-flash

Original SKF bearing view

Original SKF bearing view with grime scraped

Figured out how to post the pictures better