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2018, looking for updated opinions on unit hub bearings?

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Old Mar 1, 2018 | 08:59 AM
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From: CO
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Default 2018, looking for updated opinions on unit hub bearings?

Hi all,
I'm needing hubs and would like a more modern recommendation/ experience/ opinion based inquiry as to the best replacement options.

thus far I would like a composite hub: 1st timken, 2nd SKF, Moog.
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Old Mar 1, 2018 | 12:12 PM
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Is your XJ an early '99? '99 switched mid-year to cast rotors from composite. I always buy Timken bearings.

Last edited by Tbone289; Mar 1, 2018 at 12:15 PM.
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Old Mar 2, 2018 | 12:15 AM
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it is a 99 which will require composite hubs. Timken is the brand im leaning toward the most, then SKF.

I wish i could guarantee a USA made part, but i guess thats a joke these days.


has no one else any up to date opinions on these parts, the farthest back ive found any info was 2011 to 2013 and ide rather hear from some sources as of their current luck with unit hubs/ brands


Last edited by 4x4jeepmanthing; Mar 2, 2018 at 12:18 AM.
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Old Mar 2, 2018 | 09:06 AM
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If you ever got to the point where you needed new rotors and unit bearings at the same time, you could just buy the cast rotors and hubs together instead of composite.
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Old Mar 2, 2018 | 04:35 PM
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Year: 1999
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Originally Posted by 4x4jeepmanthing
it is a 99 which will require composite hubs. Timken is the brand im leaning toward the most, then SKF.

I wish i could guarantee a USA made part, but i guess thats a joke these days.


has no one else any up to date opinions on these parts, the farthest back ive found any info was 2011 to 2013 and ide rather hear from some sources as of their current luck with unit hubs/ brands

I did my hubs at the same time as my buddy -- I got SKF and he got Timken. Other than his having fancier packaging, they were visually identical and had the same Slovakian stamp. Probably made on the same factory line. Been fine for a few years so far on 35s with a locker. Most brands that aren't complete crap should be fine so long as you get the proper torque on the 36mm.
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Old Mar 3, 2018 | 01:37 AM
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did you antisieze the 36mm?
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Old May 27, 2018 | 10:09 PM
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I am curious to see how this works out. Timken seems to be outsourcing a lot of parts and what you get in return is a mixed bag. Moog is apparently doing the same thing, I recently tried to install some moog u joints and they are garbage. I was able to find some spicer joints at o'reilly's to replace them. Moog is the only hub I can find locally and I do not trust them to make anything of quality, Timken is a mixed bag and will not honor warranties if you do not buy from a authorized distributor. Dana makes one but its for 2007 and later jks with abs.
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Old May 28, 2018 | 08:02 AM
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I work for a company that rebuilds industrial machinery and we use many different manufacturer bearings. Rarely if ever do we have a bearing related issue, most failures are caused by contaminants in the lube oil.

With that said my order of choice would be, Timken, SKF, Moog.
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Old May 28, 2018 | 07:37 PM
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I just finished installing my spicer joints to replace my moog joints. I cannot stress enough how bad the moog joints are, I had to double check that I actually picked up the right part. They are way out of spec. I would not trust them to make anything correctly. Remember the bearing in the hub may be perfectly fine but the hub itself needs to be manufactured correctly.
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Old Aug 7, 2018 | 10:18 PM
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Just did the front bearings on my 94. Picked up SKF bearings from NAPA. One was made in China, the other Slovakia. Fitment seemed fine. Wondering if the brand really matters if they are all outsourced to the same factories.
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