National Hub good quality?

[sean99]

I picked up this National hub new in the box for $54 shipped...Is it worth putting on my Explorer or keep it for an X for resale?

 

[boominXplorer]

They are comparable to Timkin. They are the expensive brand of bearings at the auto parts stores

 

[sean99]

Cool, for a $200+ hub, i figured it was worth taking a chance on

 

[96eb96]

When you get the bearing look at the name actually etched on the bearing shell and you know who REALLY made it. National may get a bearing from Timken, SKF, NSK, NTN{there are a few other good ones too}

Also, tightening the nut correctly is in most cases what determines how long it will last. Too loose or used an impact? Probably last 6 mos to a year.

 

[Joe Dirt]

^ Good advice ^

Uber important to get that axle nut on correctly...

 

[sean99]

Thanks for the advice...What should the axle nut be torqued to?

 

[Joe Dirt]

157-213 lb. ft. is stock spec, so if you have a 12" breaker bar, 200 lb. dude standing on the end clicks off 200 lb. ft.

 

[sean99]

157-213 lb. ft. is stock spec, so if you have a 12" breaker bar, 200 lb. dude standing on the end clicks off 200 lb. ft.

Can you come over and stand on the breaker?...I'm making fresh chocodirts

 

[Joe Dirt]

Not unless you want it set at 240 ft. lbs. (before ChocoDirt's)

 

[Flounder]

Fargle bargle.

My right front wheel is sounds like it's riding on a cement roadway, which to me suggests my bearings are nearly shot (not quite at that loud-as-hell rubbing noise). [The tires are nearly new, were balanced, and the front was aligned on install, so it's not that.] But I don't have anything capable of torquing to 157-213. Grr.

On a positive note, glad to read National is a decent brand. I was between Timken from Rock Auto and National from Advance. The benefit to Advance is a $40 off $100 coupon code which I will use twice....

 

[Ptool2000]

Slightly off topic, but did Ford ever use Timkin bearings stock. I bought my truck with very little service history, mostly due to the lack of service. when I changed my bearings the old ones were Timkin. truck only has 109k so didn't think they were ever changed.