Timken bearings? 99' GCL

[Goldfishy]

I'm hsving to replace both front hub/wheel bearing assembly after 2 1/2 years or close to 30K miles on the 2nd set. The first set was the original ones which lasted till 165,000 miles them.

Question: Auto Zone only had a 1 year limited life time warranty, I wasn't so much interested in that, but do the OEM ones from the dealership perform or last longer?

I hate to be replacing these bearings every couple of years, as I plan to keep it until it's really dead in the ground, I'm almost at 200K now and still works fine.

[Bob D.]

Originally Posted by Goldfishy

Question: Auto Zone only had a 1 year limited life time warranty, I wasn't so much interested in that, but do the OEM ones from the dealership perform or last longer?

What is a 1 year limited life time warranty?

Some parts I would never use aftermarket, others like quality suspension parts I would have no problem using. Chrysler uses many parts made by aftermarket companies, brakes and hydraulic lines for example - the problem is figuring out what manufacturers they use.
The bearings from Auto Zone are probably inferior quality, but if they are substantially cheaper, on a 200k Jeep I would use them. You should be able to get at least 30k + mi on them.

[dksob81]

Timken is a very good bearing I am a mechanic and I have used alot of these brand of bearings from everything from wheels bearings to axle bearings and have had very good results.

[Goldfishy]

Hi, guys:

Yea, that's the thing, the bearings from Auto Zone which as you all know, comes already pressed into the wheel hub were Timken's, it was clearly stated on the outside of the box as well stamped on the bearings themselves.

The 1 year limited lifetime warranty meant it's good for up to one year from the time of purchase against anything other than if AZ deemed it being used for commercial purposes or not installed properly, etc., prior to the first year so after that, AZ does not honor the limited lifetime warranty, it's a bit misleading, but then again, I've had starters and alternators and water pumps on my 94' Aerostar for 3-4 years before going bad and they always never questioned the old part and simply handed over the new one to me of which I've had 3-4 replacements over the years so it's all good.

I love AZ's records management of maintaining ALL of my parts purchased that still have lifetime warranties, simply give them the phone number used (home number) and it pops up.

I just didn't know that the "limited lifetime" warranty is worded a bit different from the "lifetime" warranty...the key work is "limited"....so I was a bit disappointed, thinking I could get new ones.

Anyways, I found the rockauto.com also sells the wheel hub/bearings much cheaper than AZ and even with shipping, same warranty.

I will call the dealership to see what they offer if it's the same bearing or of a better OEM type and if their warranty is better than AZ or rockauto.

Yea, I've been real lazy to replace the worn bearings, but not driving it as much until I can get them replaced (or before the wheel falls off).