('15+) Wheel Bearing OEM VS Aftermarket

NewSubie08 · 06-06-2022, 02:24 PM

Hey Guys, I need some input. I know I have a bad wheel bearing. I actually might have both a front a rear wheel bearing on my 2015 impreza sport with 75k. I have been reading about a tsb for our cars with a designed wheel bearing.

Obviously the OEM are much more vs aftermarket. I read that people have had some bad luck with MOOG ones. Any input on timken?

Should I just go with OEM and avoid aftermarket?

I been watching videos on replacing these ourselves and doesnt seem horrible but the rears seem more like headache since they most likely seize up in the knuckle and are a pain to remove. Any insight would greatly be appreciated.

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NewSubie08 · 06-11-2022, 06:00 PM

no one has insight?

IHaveAHorse · 06-11-2022, 09:20 PM

I can't speak to these parts specifically, but I have a strong suspicion that for pretty much any aftermarket part that's prone to wear will have awful reviews, especially on car forums, because the vast majority of people with no problem will never bother posting a review, whereas anyone who has a failure, even if it's a one in a million occurrence, will likely post about it to vent some frustration.

There's definitely variation in part quality in some cases, but also it's likely hugely overblown how "bad" most aftermarket parts are, in my opinion.

saigashooter · 06-22-2022, 11:53 AM

I have an '09 that I have timken bearings in on the front. 2 years so far without issues.

I've run timken and Moog on other cars and never had issues, my cars are just daily drivers.

I have read that Moog has gone downhill in recent years, but have no experience with any parts failing.

saigashooter · 06-22-2022, 11:55 AM

Removed, accidental duplicate

Elbert Bass · 06-23-2022, 08:53 AM

Customer had some gas station back in the hills replace darn near his whole front suspension chasing a knocking sound after replacing a wheel bearing/hub assembly.
Here's the culprit - the aftermarket bearing/hub they installed initially - supposedly was a MOOG but can't verify that as fact.

Elbert Bass · 06-23-2022, 08:54 AM

Customer had some gas station back in the hills replace darn near his whole front suspension chasing a knocking sound after replacing a wheel bearing/hub assembly.
Here's the culprit - the aftermarket bearing/hub they installed initially - supposedly was a MOOG but can't verify that as fact.
http://dblittle.com/auto/moogbearing.mp4

06-06-2022, 02:24 PM	#1
NewSubie08 Scooby Newbie Member#: 429465 Join Date: Sep 2015 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: NY Vehicle: 2015 Impreza Red	Wheel Bearing OEM VS Aftermarket Hey Guys, I need some input. I know I have a bad wheel bearing. I actually might have both a front a rear wheel bearing on my 2015 impreza sport with 75k. I have been reading about a tsb for our cars with a designed wheel bearing. Obviously the OEM are much more vs aftermarket. I read that people have had some bad luck with MOOG ones. Any input on timken? Should I just go with OEM and avoid aftermarket? I been watching videos on replacing these ourselves and doesnt seem horrible but the rears seem more like headache since they most likely seize up in the knuckle and are a pain to remove. Any insight would greatly be appreciated. * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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06-11-2022, 06:00 PM	#2
NewSubie08 Scooby Newbie Member#: 429465 Join Date: Sep 2015 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: NY Vehicle: 2015 Impreza Red	no one has insight?

06-11-2022, 09:20 PM	#3
IHaveAHorse Scooby Newbie Member#: 507873 Join Date: Oct 2019	I can't speak to these parts specifically, but I have a strong suspicion that for pretty much any aftermarket part that's prone to wear will have awful reviews, especially on car forums, because the vast majority of people with no problem will never bother posting a review, whereas anyone who has a failure, even if it's a one in a million occurrence, will likely post about it to vent some frustration. There's definitely variation in part quality in some cases, but also it's likely hugely overblown how "bad" most aftermarket parts are, in my opinion.

06-22-2022, 11:53 AM	#4
saigashooter Scooby Newbie Member#: 336384 Join Date: Oct 2012 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wisconsin Vehicle: 2009 Impreza 2.5i Charcoal Grey Metallic	I have an '09 that I have timken bearings in on the front. 2 years so far without issues. I've run timken and Moog on other cars and never had issues, my cars are just daily drivers. I have read that Moog has gone downhill in recent years, but have no experience with any parts failing.

06-22-2022, 11:55 AM	#5
saigashooter Scooby Newbie Member#: 336384 Join Date: Oct 2012 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Wisconsin Vehicle: 2009 Impreza 2.5i Charcoal Grey Metallic	Removed, accidental duplicate

06-23-2022, 08:53 AM	#6
Elbert Bass Scooby Specialist Member#: 283429 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Down yonder. Vehicle: 2016 Fuji Sunfire 03 Silver	Customer had some gas station back in the hills replace darn near his whole front suspension chasing a knocking sound after replacing a wheel bearing/hub assembly. Here's the culprit - the aftermarket bearing/hub they installed initially - supposedly was a MOOG but can't verify that as fact.

06-23-2022, 08:54 AM	#7
Elbert Bass Scooby Specialist Member#: 283429 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Down yonder. Vehicle: 2016 Fuji Sunfire 03 Silver	Customer had some gas station back in the hills replace darn near his whole front suspension chasing a knocking sound after replacing a wheel bearing/hub assembly. Here's the culprit - the aftermarket bearing/hub they installed initially - supposedly was a MOOG but can't verify that as fact. http://dblittle.com/auto/moogbearing.mp4