Best Bearing Brand

So finally at 122k, I need to change the front wheel bearings. Doing a bit of research, it looks as though SKF is the OEM manufacturer. I was thinkig about using Timken bearings though. They are about the same price point so that is not the issue. I by no means am going to hit up the local autozone or what have ya for a $20 unit. Im looking on RockAuto and they seem to be half of what the local stealership wants.

So...

SKF or Timken?

More importantly--- WHY?

thanks

 

Timken used to be made in the USA - they had a plant here in Columbus. Not sure where they are made now...

 

Timken in Numbers
2012 Sales: $5.0 billion.
Total number of people worldwide: approx. 20,000.
Total number of facilities: 63 plants; 95 sales offices; 10 technology and engineering centers; 25 shipping centers; and six joint ventures located in 30 countries on six continents.
Paid 362nd consecutive quarterly dividend in 2012.
Listed in the New York Stock Exchange since 1922.

Technology and Engineering
Ten technology and engineering centers located in North Canton, OH; Bangalore, India; Colmar, France; Lebanon and Keene, NH; Manchester, CT; Mesa, AZ; King of Prussia, PA; Ploiesti, Romania; and Shanghai, China.

 

I ordered Timken front wheel bearings and they were both stamped with Koyo, if that gives you any idea.

 

So in that case, both are OEM brands. Sweet. Thanks for the info

 

Both are good brands and if they are outsourcing I would imagine they are made to spec for either of them. It's the offshore brands you never heard of I would be wary of.