Automotive bearings are vital to the performance and safety of any vehicle. Bearings affect the proper functioning of the wheels, differential and drive belt. Braking, chassis adjustment, steering, suspension, pulleys and electronic controls all depend on having the right auto bearings in place.

In addition to locating the right automotive wheel bearing or automotive ball bearing for replacement and repair purposes, your customers may want to upgrade to a higher level of quality in auto bearings for greater safety and better performance. To meet automotive bearing needs:

1. Connect with automotive bearing manufacturers for the latest innovative solutions.

2. Establish relationships with distributors of automotive bearings who offer wide inventories and competitive pricing.

3. Seek custom auto bearing engineering solutions for specialized needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Contact top-of-the-line automotive bearing manufacturers to order parts or become a distributor

Manufacturers of automotive bearings supply innovative, reliable product lines to auto makers and to authorized dealers and distributors. Contact manufacturers for the latest automotive bearing information.

I recommend: The Schaeffler Group is the parent company of two of the world's largest suppliers of automotive bearings, FAG and INA. FAG offers innovative solutions in automatic braking system (ABS), chassis adjustment and stability control applications, while INA specializes in precision auto bearings for steering and suspension. Contact the Schaeffler Group to become an authorized distributor. Koyo manufactures OEM automotive wheel bearings and automotive ball bearings for transmission, clutch and belt tightening applications.

Buy from automotive bearing distributors for the widest choice of product lines

Automotive bearing suppliers provide large inventories of OEM and aftermarket automotive bearings for every application. Most offer quick turnaround time, bulk pricing and customer service to help you identify the right auto bearing for your needs.

I recommend: Industrial Drive Components carries thousands of sizes and types of OEM and aftermarket replacement bearings. ABI Industries claims an inventory that includes auto bearings of all types, from all major manufacturers; they will custom engineer what they can't supply. Check the online catalog at AHR International, and order automotive bearings in any quantity from 1 to 10,000.

Select custom automotive bearing manufacturers for specialized needs

For special applications such as high-performance motorsports vehicles or heavy-duty or extreme weather use, work with suppliers of custom auto bearings who will engineer to your specifications.

I recommend: Aurora Bearing is a major supplier of custom automotive bearings for motorsports and military applications. Kilian brings 80 years of experience to manufacturing custom automotive ball bearings and assemblies; they consider themselves "an extension of your in-house engineering team."

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While you can extend the life of older automotive bearings by repacking or regreasing them according to repair manual specifications, auto bearings can't be refurbished. Therefore, all replacement OEM and aftermarket automotive bearings are new.