Wheel bearing observations

[80stech]

It seems that somehow either fake FAG wheel bearings are being sold in FAG boxes or that FAG has joined in on providing cheaper made bearings in FAG boxes much like the NKG sparkplugs I posted about in the iridium spark plug thread. I suspected that something was going on with this as well because FAG has always been in a class by themselves for quality and a price to go along with it. If there is a choice of bearings that includes FAG then the FAG bearing should by far be the higher price but that doesn't seem to be the case any more. As an example RockAuto has FAG front wheel bearings listed at a very cheap price but if you click on the picture it shows a fake or at least lesser bearing with no markings on it. If you click on the the BCA bearing they have listed at the FAG like price, it will show a FAG bearing with the proper laser etching on it! If you order the BCA bearing (I just received one) it will come in a BCA box that also has a NTN label on it but have the real FAG laser etched bearing in the box the same as the picture! WTF? BTW I have switched to RockAuto for as much as I can (they are limited to what they have for BMW) as they have some really good pricing and a very good direct, customs cleared shipping program for Canada.

[wpoll]

Might have to start buying OE from a BMW dealer, out here in the colonies! :-)

[80stech]

I think the BMW white box bearing is supposed to be SKF but who knows for sure anymore!

[nick325xit 5spd]

I generally get FAG or SKF interchangeably in BMW boxes.

FWIW, the "Genuine BMW" SKF bearing that I got for my E30 M3 actually didn't fit correctly. Don't assume that Genuine BMW means much these days. (The hubcentric rim was too big. Literally couldn't get the *stock* wheels over it.)

I haven't had any counterfeit issues with FAG bearings. In my experience, aftermarket bearings have been pretty obviously inferior. The X5 FAG bearings are just cheap because FAG bearings are frequently cheap for "lower rent" models.

[80stech]

Just to add a bit of info, I had replaced my right rear brg. with a BMW white box (value line) SKF brg. and it does make a slight bit of noise that I can hear with my electronic "chassis ears." Probably not enough to hear in the cabin but the original factory brg. which i'm assuming is probably FAG from when FAG still meant something, is absolutely silent.

[wpoll]

Timely - I spend an hour or so over the weekend messing around with a wireless radio mic (Sennheiser EW100) confirming which bearing was failing on mine. I confirmed it is the right rear, as I suspected. Ordering a new FAG kit (#713 6677 80) today...

[80stech]

Maybe have a good look and snap a pic of the box and markings on brg. for us

BTW when I did mine I ordered a hub along with the brg and had it pressed together before hand to avoid any drama and make the job quicker. I now have a new brg. pressed onto the old hub ready to go when I need the other side.

[wpoll]

Good plan with hub, but it's pretty easy to do on the fly. I put my old hub in the freezer while I mounted the new bearing to the carrier etc.

Here's the FAG box...

[wpoll]

Bloody COVID!!

First world problem, I know but jeepers, the last couple of years have changed the market for parts.

Firstly, it's hard to get most stuff and secondly, it takes forever... I have to plan maint. about 3-4 months in advance.

I've been looking locally for the FAG bearing kit shown above, easy to get a couple of years ago, for around $170.

Nothing now... I tried the local auction sites and several bearing suppliers - best I could get was a brand called "Optima " or "Optimal".

Nope.

Tried BMW NZ... no stock in the country. And if there was... the retail is around $350. Not bad for OE but...

So I checked out what brand the old bearing that I removed a couple of year back is - the factory bearing (yep, I still have it in the garage...!). The factorry-fitted bearing was a KOYO.

So I looked for a KOYO locally and bingo - got one in my hands for a little under $300. No other hardware (mounting bolts or axle nut) so they are now on order with BMW NZ (and will no doubt sting me another c-note) but at least I'll get the job done, and with parts I trust.

BTW, the KOYO rear E53 bearing can found under numbers 1097158 & 2DACF045N-8B and appears to be the OE part (made in USA or Japan).



https://koyo.jtekt.co.jp/en/support/...cle/002265.php

[80stech]

Good to know! Looks like the Koyo is still a "made in Japan" quality unit at a quality price.
Pelican has the FAG brg. listed as OEM (supplier) at $68!
although that's for the pre-facelift brg. which I guess is slightly different