Bearings: Kodiak vs Timken vs Dexter never lube

[John303]

At the beginning of May we will have the Morryde IS and disc breaks installed in Elkhart. They offered either Kodiak two piece, or Dexter never lube, but suggested the Kodiak since they are serviceable. I have also read of people switching to Timken bearings, but have not asked Morryde if that is an option. So my question for everyone is what bearing option would you go for, and why? Bear in mind, I usually have a dealer do bearing maintenance, maybe someday I will be inclined to do it myself, but this is not that day.

[bigb56]

At the beginning of May we will have the Morryde IS and disc breaks installed in Elkhart. They offered either Kodiak two piece, or Dexter never lube, but suggested the Kodiak since they are serviceable. I have also read of people switching to Timken bearings, but have not asked Morryde if that is an option. So my question for everyone is what bearing option would you go for, and why? Bear in mind, I usually have a dealer do bearing maintenance, maybe someday I will be inclined to do it myself, but this is not that day.

I'm not sure if it matters anymore but the last time I shopped for Timken bearings I found 3 different ones, Chinese, Mexican and US. The US ones were double the price of the others but those were what I bought. They only had the Chinese and Mexican ones in stock and I had to wait a couple days for the US ones (Autozone). It's getting really tough to know what's good quality and what isn't and most people either don't know or don't care and just want cheap. Sorry to muddy the water but that's what we have to deal with now. I will buy US as long as I can.

[Bob/OlallaWA]

If you have a problem on the road and have the never lube bearings your problem has just started. To change them they need to be pressed off and on, and not many places stock them so you will be waiting on delivery.

[WhittleBurner]

I'm not sure if it matters anymore but the last time I shopped for Timken bearings I found 3 different ones, Chinese, Mexican and US. The US ones were double the price of the others but those were what I bought. They only had the Chinese and Mexican ones in stock and I had to wait a couple days for the US ones (Autozone). It's getting really tough to know what's good quality and what isn't and most people either don't know or don't care and just want cheap. Sorry to muddy the water but that's what we have to deal with now. I will buy US as long as I can.

Be careful with products with US stamped on them, especially auto parts. A lot of companies are using Chinese parts and stamping them boxed in the US. not made in the US. People have been reporting buying Timken bearings with the box stamped US but pulling the bearing out and it is stamped China.

[bigb56]

Be careful with products with US stamped on them, especially auto parts. A lot of companies are using Chinese parts and stamping them boxed in the US. not made in the US. People have been reporting buying Timken bearings with the box stamped US but pulling the bearing out and it is stamped China.

Oh yes I am fully aware of that game, I've seen "majority product made in USA" stamped on Motorcraft brake rotor boxes and on some Dewalt drill bits "Made in China and Germany". Sometimes you have to wade through a lot of crap to get what you want.

[TucsonJim]

When I purchased my Timken bearings from Amazon, the parts themselves were stamped USA.

[MidwestCamper]

Be careful with products with US stamped on them, especially auto parts. A lot of companies are using Chinese parts and stamping them boxed in the US. not made in the US. People have been reporting buying Timken bearings with the box stamped US but pulling the bearing out and it is stamped China.

Would not trust the part any more than the deceptive labeling. Would return asap.

[MidwestCamper]

If you have a problem on the road and have the never lube bearings your problem has just started. To change them they need to be pressed off and on, and not many places stock them so you will be waiting on delivery.

This may be a great option for those that keep a spare drum or disk in there rig. It would be clean and ready to use.

[John303]

Morryde told me an additional $140 for Timken bearings. All in all, if they have been using Kodiak bearings with good results I do not see any reason to fret about it. They will get inspected and repacked periodically, so I would not expect a sudden failure. Thanks for all the input.