I found an Amazon seller lists the Timken AWD rear hub (first Link) and the Timken front wheel bearing (second Link) as both being made in China. I really hope Timken is checking tolerances and build quality closely because The name "China" on their bearing will ruin 100+ years of a great brand name!
The last two Links are interesting threads about Chinese bearings. The first one brings up a few good points. The Chinese will stamp anything onto the part that the purchasing company wants. With so many knock offs being made, do we even know where the quality part we think we're buying is made. It's all about PROFITS!!!
Some posters in the last two Links mention repacking the bearings with high quality grease. I've never seen the Vibe bearings. Has anyone ever repacked their Vibe front or rear wheel bearings? If so how did they do it. One poster talks about pulling the seal on a bearing. On the Bob the Oil Guy thread, NHguy brings up a good point in the 85h post in the Bob the Oil Guy thread. He says avoid buying hub assemblies at all cost because you can't get to the bearings to replace the bad grease with high quality grease. I've never seen a Vibe read hub offered without the bearing. Can the bearing in a Vibe hub assembly be pressed out, repacked and then pressed back on? The rear hub bearings could be a totally different design than the front wheel bearings. I see Harbor Freight offers a DIY bearing press kit. Anyone ever use it?
I would buy the Matrix rear hub assemblies if I knew they were the same one's originally put on the car. Lets face it $297 + tax for one that lasts 10 years isn't that bad.
Sorry to make this so long, but I thought the info would help people. Thanks for your help and insight!!!
Timken Rear AWD hub:
http://www.amazon.com/Timken-HA590002-A ... op?ie=UTF8
Timken front bearing:
http://www.amazon.com/Timken-510063-Whe ... en+bearong
China Timken Thread
http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/all-cob ... china.html
Bob the Oil Guy Thread
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub ... er=2593442