Reference: Fake Bearings

[Mike Kelly]

This is relevant to us. The problem is widespread: there is a app you download , the genuine bearing boxes have a bar code you can check with the app.?

https://www.stopfakebearings.com/

[Matthew P]

Hmm. Interesting. I do hope that McMaster, MSC and Grainger all carry only the real thing. As those are where I get my bearings for equipment. NAPA hopefully has the real thing when it comes to automotive applications. Good bearings cost money, but can last many lifetimes if properly maintained and at the stresses we typically apply to historic vehicles now, vice when they saw active duty in a war.

Matt

[Mike Kelly]

Originally Posted by Matthew P

Hmm. Interesting. I do hope that McMaster, MSC and Grainger all carry only the real thing. As those are where I get my bearings for equipment. NAPA hopefully has the real thing when it comes to automotive applications. Good bearings cost money, but can last many lifetimes if properly maintained and at the stresses we typically apply to historic vehicles now, vice when they saw active duty in a war.

Matt

Hi Matt

Yes it is a worry . The jeep king pin swivel bearings I bought are marked: TIMKEN Made in India https://www.timken.com/en-in/about/timken-in-india/

Timken has five large factories in China https://news.timken.com/2006-11-08-T...uring-in-China

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Having worked for a leading brand bearing manufacturer, I know fake bearing are a real problem, both for the manufacturers and their customers.

And yes, the main brands have manufacturing plants in Asia as well where they produce the same quality products as in Europe and North America.

Some of the distrubutors do not know they sell fakes, they have been conned too.

E.g. how to identify counterfeit SKF Bearings: https://www.thecounterfeitreport.com...-Bearings.html

Next to fakes, another issue to watch for when buying bearing is that they do have a shelf life: https://www.bearingtips.com/shelf-li...gs-lubricants/

[Mike Kelly]

I had a look at the new jeep pinion bearings I bought. The boxes are printed with the 'Joe's Motor Pool' brand and 'Designed in the USA' No country of origin is visible on the boxes but I'd guess it would be India.

The bearing number and 'Joes Motor Pool ' are faintly visible on the bearings themselves on the cups.

I've been informed that JMP does outsource manuafacturing to places such as India. Does anybody know anything about what's going on ?

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Mike Kelly

I've been informed that JMP does outsource manuafacturing to places such as India. Does anybody know anything about what's going on ?

There are many contract manufacturers in Asia, the buyer can specify which brand name they want to be lasered onto the product, the design of the packaging, etc. You name it and they will do it, the customer is king.

There is nothing illegal about manufacturing bearings (provided one does not break patent laws), the problem is when you use established brand names like SKF, FAG, Timken when you are actually not SKF, FAG or Timken ;-)
I have seen pictures taken in Asian sweat shops where the same bearings were branded and packaged with different names - that is when the authorities raid those places and arrest the perpetrators.

I do know of any reference to Joe's Motor Pools bearings. I understand from club members their sheet metal panels are "made in-house" and are of very good quality and fit.

Personally, for bearings and other drive train components I would try and source from OEM's, rather than a brand from a contract manufacturer / reseller. My two cents worth...