blackandgold

iTrader: (2)

I'm having my t56 rebuilt locally "level 2" gearbox kit and a local shop cryo-treating the parts. Basically I'm wondering about my bearing options, there are 2 on thegearbox.org either timken or koyo. I'm aware that timken are USA sort of and koyo are straight japanese stuffs. To be honest after beating the crap out of an s2000 and seeing tons of japanese cars running forever I'm inclined to go koyo. Timken outsources and I'd prefer japanese to indian steel.

Without making this too much of a flame war does anyone have any negative experiences or input on either? The price difference isn't an issue.

jmm98LS1

iTrader: (28)

I use timken on all of my t56 rebuilds and have never had one fail, but I only do about 10-15 a year.

madmike9396

iTrader: (29)

ZZracer works for Timken maybe he can chime in.

blackandgold

iTrader: (2)

I would love to hear. I'm also going to call the gearbox once they open back up to see where the kit is made IMO USA > Japan > outsourced mixed bag.

sierravmax

iTrader: (1)

Koyo bearings are either made in America, Japan or both depending on application. Both of my brothers work for a plant that specializes at bearings for car hubs and spindles. I know they make stuff for BMW and they make all the hub bearings for 2500 Silverados. From what I gather they seem to be high quality.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

No issues here with Koyo on the Tremec stuff.

blackandgold

iTrader: (2)

I knew some OEM's used them!

Good to hear! I sort of figured that would be the case. I think unless I have a guarantee that the timken kit is all USA I'm going to go with Koyo.

zzracer

iTrader: (33)

From what I have been told about the bearings made in india they are made from US steel and I am not sure they are making automtive bearings which are a small part of what Timken makes.

AMP-D

Never had any issues with either. Stay away from Chinese bearings.....

Spartan7

iTrader: (7)

Years ago, my rear end rebuild kit came with Timken, Koyo USA, and Koyo Japan bearings. FWIW, I've put lots of miles on it and beat the crap out of it, and not one issue. I think you'd be safe with either one.

gnx7

iTrader: (28)

no issues ever with Koyo bearings. Many T56 rebuilds

FMX05

iTrader: (3)

Yeah they make wheel bearings for every railcar I've seen come through work.

2QWK4RU 06 GOAT

iTrader: (1)

I'd rather do koyo, better qc for the most part. Not all the bearings will be koyo or timken, a few pieces will be by other oem makers.

blackandgold

iTrader: (2)

I ended up going with Koyo I honestly do believe most Japanese auto companies have great QC, which is why the ASM floor mats in my s2k cost $500 haha.

SoonerBrad88

iTrader: (15)

I'm glad I found this! Im having to make the same decision soon and was wondering the same thing. Good info!