Thread: B15 wheel bearings

I need to do the wheel bearings on my nx(b15 hubs) and looking for advice.
I got a NSK new wheel bearing with the car,and I bought a Timken from Rock auto.
They look a little different than eachother in construction,mainly the bearing seals/caps(but same size).
I am pretty sure they will both work,and my research online anyway says they are both very good quality....I have always preferred Japanese(NSK) bearings over others...I think Timken is made in Mexico or US(Timken is in Ohio).

Whats the general consensus on using two different brands?
Should I just get another Timken so they match?
Any preference/experience from NSK vs. Timken?
Is there a better/longer lasting brand than Timken? It seems like other than Timken,the others are all mostly noname?
Also,they appear to be sealed(unlike B13/B14 so is there any other things needed such as additional dust seals for this?
Thanks

Hey Jay, I use Timkens on my tractors at work and have never had one fail from manufacturers defect. They have always lasted to their life expectancy.

I have used Timken,Koyo,NSK on our 5 lug swap cars. To be honest, they are all last. It is the process of how you install the wheel bearings to make sure they won't get damaged!

B15 wheel bearings is better for sure, and you don't need any seals. Just to make sure install your lock rings(C shape) <= can't remember what those name for lol

The one I got with the car was from you...LOL and its the NSK.
I bought a Timken,and then realized the one you gave me was not Timken.
Maybe it will be fine just using a different brand on each side.

HAHA, I dont even remember when I bought that. I say put nsk on one side and timken on the other and see which one lasts the longest.

I have a buddy that does heavy machinery work for a living and swears by Timken bearings. He says they always last their expected lifespan like enbinkerd mentioned.

He also put a set in the front of his tundra and it has been fine for about a year now.

The blackhawk helicopter uses 90% timken bearings in its transmision... I think ull be alright

The military also has directives to only use American made parts...so I would guess they only use ones from the Timken in 'merica but who knows.

I have never heard of any adverse effects to using a different brand of wheel bearing on either side...it's not the same as tires with two different tread patterns on the front - which I would WANT to be the same. And as @b15azn mentioned, the process of how you install them will be the biggest factor in how long they last.

I've installed two wheel bearings recently and b/c I don't have a press yet (xmas list!) I had to hammer them in with my BFH and a socket that matched the OD. I hated doing it but it's done. It's only been 5-6 months but so far so good.

Not true, most of our gears are from europe aswell as a few specialized bearings. There were a few smaller companys that were quallified to be used but timken bought them all lol. So now its just timken here and whatever we have qualified from europe

I know it's true for every construction project I've been on for the 3 bases in San Antonio (Brooks, Lackland, & Randolph)...down to the nuts and bolts that are used. That being said, I would hope sensitive machinery such as a Blackhawk would use parts based on their superiority rather than where they're made...which may be the case.