New front wheel hub assemblies
 

Anyone recently purchase new front wheel hub assemblies for their XJ?

Ordered a Timken unit from RockAuto and this is what I received. Does this look better/worse/same than any of the other brands anyone has bought from their local auto parts store? As I understand most parts manufacturer swap their parts suppliers frequently and who knows what you get in the box these days. I have reached out to Timken to atleast confirm it is not a counterfeit. It does spin smooth and straight, just thought the machining and finish would be a bit nicer for a premium brand. It also doesn't have the hologram on the box and the orange seal like most of the pictures you see on Jeep forums.

Thanks!


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...1af586cf91.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...82a8a557df.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...96fca0f72d.jpg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.che...986973e8de.jpg

See this poster:

https://www.wranglerforum.com/f210/t...is-854290.html

The red seal seems to be the more common manufacturer.

Another poster said a conversation with Timkin revealed "Made in 15" meant China. Does that make it (or not) a "premium" bearing?

I did read that post yesterday when searching around. My hub doesn't have any of the markings mentioned.. Z or not.. Doesn't seem to make any noise or whirr as described.

Interested to see if anyone else has anything to note from recent purchases or experiences they have with hubs bought in the last few months or year.

I was between the Timken and the SKF....nothing else locally between Advance Auto, AutoZone, and Oreilys seemed any better. Thanks for the reply!

Timken did reach out this morning and verified the part and packaging look authentic.

The rep explained to me that they are no longer doing the holograms on the boxes, and that all global stock of this part # are now sourced from China. (if that matters to anyone looking to buy Timken hubs for their XJ in the future)

RockAuto is also not an authorized distributor for Timken, and he recommended Summit Racing or Parts Authority for anyone looking to purchase online from an authorized reseller..

Hard to say about looks. Too bad you couldn't Hardness-test it.

Or just use https://www.detroitaxle.com/. Their stuff is 38.00 on Amazon. I mean if you're looking for "premium" bearings, you'll need to drop about 100 bucks.

Thanks Dave. I have not heard of them before. I will give their site a look over. Appreciate the responses.

Timken makes national. So it could be a national bearing with a Timken number. However having the TKR stamp on the hub face tells me its a timken bearing.

I just picked up an SKF front hub assembly for my wife's Prius. Solid quality, made in Japan, and uses Koyo bearings. I don't think you can go wrong with the SKF for the Cherokee. Moog and Timken quality has seemed to more recently go down the tubes due to massive outsourcing. Really can't blame the companies, why pay an American $20 an hour when you can pay someone $0.25... Reduces overhead cost and increases profit margins.