A lesson learned

[Wayne0 1,482]

The Workhorse needed front wheel bearings so I found some on fleabay for cheap. I figured how bad could they be.

Gave them the "Greasy Pete" treatment and installed them. Swapped them out 6 months later and this is all 4 of them!

I have never seen such destruction. I think I found 5 balls left in the mess.

Don't buy cheap bearings, people!

 

Edited 20 hours ago by Wayne0

[ebinmaine 77,122]

Wow!

[oldlineman 1,641]

China strikes again! You get what you pay for. Bob

[CCW 1,488]

It was always hard for me to buy tools because I would not buy cheap. 

[AlexR 2,496]

I was going to go that route too, even bought the bearings on the bay. Ended up not installing them because the OD of the bearing was too small for my rims. And honestly the original bearings seemed just as tight if not more as the new ones. 

[Bill D 2,591]

I try to buy USA bearings if possible.  Japanese bearings are next followed by Taiwan. 

[peter lena 9,732]

@Wayne0   been using   XIKe bearings , with  snug  shim washers  , thats a critical area , for  side play ,  shucking  / side slamming , no issues  , regularly  look them over  , same as day  , built  ,  use HILLMAN  MACHINE BUSHINGS , LOCAL h/w store , also like a soft vinyl stretchy cap  for grease retention , pete   

[Lee1977 7,547]

I've used the XIKe bearings for 15 years haven't had any problems with them. It's not likely the bearings are the problem that they are loose in the wheels. The wheels get worn and won't hold the bearing tight .

I have had a few wheels to get badly worn, all were on a tractor used for mowing.

 

Edited 41 minutes ago by Lee1977

[squonk 45,399]

Center punch the wheel. Bearings stay put. 

[Retired Wrencher 6,386]

Is there baring suppliers near you? I have a few. They match up and get you quality bearings. Usually made in USA. 

[Bill D 2,591]

What is the actual bearing number fir the front wheel bearings?  Looking for both the standard wheel bearing and the oversized heavy duty one found on some 520's.  I don't need the bearings for the swept forward 520 front end.  Thanks.

[Lee1977 7,547]

57 minutes ago, Bill D said:

What is the actual bearing number fir the front wheel bearings?  Looking for both the standard wheel bearing and the oversized heavy duty one found on some 520's.  I don't need the bearings for the swept forward 520 front end.  Thanks.

I've never seen an actual bearing no. for them . Just 3/4" ID  x 1 3/8" OD x 12" wide. The older 88 and 89 520's use the same bearing.  Don't know about " Heavy Duty Spindles".