5204 dbl w/rubber shields rear wheel bearing costs $15 vs $58

[F6MoRider]

So I think I have to do the bearing fix (squeak, squeak, squeak...) and I find a wholesaler here in town and stop in.  They want $58 for the bearing.  I'm surprised by the price diff based on the list in the shoptalk document.  

I go back on line and find another supplier here in town.  USA bearing and belts.  The same bearing is $15 bucks.  

http://www.usabearingsandbelts.com/m7/5204--5204-2rs-5204-zz-premium-double-row-ball-bearings-20x47x20-6.html

We should have a section on the site for low cost suppliers and those worth the higher prices.

BTW: No hydro lock today.


Still hard to believe the price difference.

[Tropic traveler]

5204-2RS bearing $19.99 with free shipping from E-bay. I think it was from a bearing house located in Lakeland FL. Made in Japan which is choice 1A for me, with Made in USA choice 1.
That would be $40 for 2 plus whatever it costs you to cut down a stock spacer.
Of course Bill (Grumpy) who is a sponsor vendor of this site has the new double row ready spacers for sale too.
Great guy! check him out. 

BTW, my local CarQuest store wanted $60+ for the same bearing. 

[X Ring]

Who made the bearings and what tier manufacturer are they?  Those are the two questions you need to ask.  Bearing are one of those things I believe you do not decide by price alone.  Do your research.  I would buy Timken if they made a 3204-2RS but they don't.  SKF is a top tier manufacturer.  I don't think I will ever have to replace those bearing.  Something else you need check is what are the bearing cages made from.  Some 3204/5204 bearings use plastic cages.  They are not compatible with use in a motorcycle wheel.  You need steel cages. 

Marty 

[Tailgate Tommy]

5204-2RS bearing $19.99 with free shipping from E-bay. I think it was from a bearing house located in Lakeland FL. Made in Japan which is choice 1A for me, with Made in USA choice 1.
That would be $40 for 2 plus whatever it costs you to cut down a stock spacer.
Of course Bill (Grumpy) who is a sponsor vendor of this site has the new double row ready spacers for sale too.
Great guy! check him out. 

BTW, my local CarQuest store wanted $60+ for the same bearing. 

+1 on Bill. Great product and a stand up guy!

[F6MoRider]

Picked up two yesterday at the Lakeland bearing house.  And, no, they weren't plastic nor were they made from anything else substandard.  Will put one on my spare rim and ship my spare spacer off to Grumpy for sizing then put one on the bike as soon as I get time.

Anyone ever try greasing the bearing?

[X Ring]

It's not the outside that would be plastic.  Inside the bearing are cages that hold the ball bearings in place.  That can be made of plastic.  If it is it is unsuitable for use in the wheels.

Marty

[F6MoRider]

Seals pop out easily and the insides were checked.