5 Bad Wheel Bearing Brands to Avoid Purchasing in 2025

Ever wondered what’s causing that annoying humming sound in your car? It could be a sign of bad wheel bearings.

When buying online, be aware of the bad wheel bearing brands to avoid because many retailers sell fake wheel-bearing tools.

These cheap bearings will surely mess up your vehicle’s drivetrain. So, you must avoid them at all costs to keep your vehicle safe.

Having the right wheel bearing is important because it regulates the position of your wheels, allows them to turn properly, and ensures that they operate safely and quietly.

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List of 5 Bad Wheel Bearing Brands to Avoid

Technically, no brand is entirely the worst. But some of their product models are bad to use.

So, we prepared this guide to help you know the bad wheel bearings available on the market.

We made a list based on the price, quality, durability, reputation of the manufacturers, and personal experiences with these brands.

Here is our list of bad wheel-bearing brands to avoid.

1. MOOG

MOOG is in the business since 1919 and has a decent reputation in the automotive industry. It is one of the biggest suppliers of wheel bearings in the global market.

However, the MOOG 513179 wheel bearing and hub assembly don’t have a good reputation. It was designed to reduce stress, heat, and rotation on components, but it didn’t quite make it.

The MOOG 512518 wheel bearing wears out quickly and doesn’t even last for five months.

2. Timken

You may be surprised to see their name on our list, but they are also not immune to producing the worst items.

Timken is one of the most reliable brands and produces quality wheel bearings for all types of vehicles.

But, the Timken HA590036 is a poor-quality wheel bearing and hub assembly.

It heats up too easily and causes malfunctioning in the ABS sensor which may leave you in a precarious situation.

Also, the wheel bearing is too expensive. Spending a big amount on such a cheap item is not worth it.

3. WJB

WJB bearing is based in California. They are also one of the top suppliers in the global wheel bearing industry. But, in terms of quality, WJB is still lagging.

After a few months, the WJB wheel bearing begins to make humming and rumbling sounds.

When you turn the steering wheel, the sounds get louder and create wheel vibration, which affects the vehicle’s speed in turns.

Especially the WJB WA512326 Rear Wheel Hub Bearing Assembly has a very poor reputation in the market.

The price is also very high. So, instead of investing in poor-quality bearings, you can buy better alternatives at the same price.

4. Detroit Axle

The Detroit Axle is a 4WD front wheel bearing and hub assembly.

The best thing about this equipment is its compatibility with several vehicles, such as Mercury Mountaineer and Ford Explorer.

But is it really worth buying?

The product quality is quite cheap, which makes it wear and tear quickly.

Also, the wheel bearing doesn’t last more than four months. So, it will be a repeated expense for you.

It also affects the longevity of your tires and offers a bad driving experience and relying on this product can cause real safety concerns.

5. Dorman

Dorman is an automobile wheel bearing maker with more than 100 years of experience. Despite being a veteran, the Dorman 950-001 has failed to satisfy its users for various reasons.

It is an OE FIX pre-pressed hub assembly for Toyota models. This product allows you to install it right out of the box without purchasing additional wheel-bearing parts.

Although it is simple and fast to install, it still has a negative response from its users.

The build quality is subpar, and the product wears out prematurely. Its lifespan is too short.

After eight months, it begins to make clunking noises, even on the smooth road.

How to Make Your Wheel Bearing Last Longer?

On average, the wheel bearings may last up to 120,000 miles.

However, a wheel bearing can last longer or die sooner, depending on various factors, such as how the vehicle is driven, and the quality of a bearing brand.

Check this video guide on how to make your wheel bearing last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

Like low-profile tire brands, there are a number of cheap wheel bearing brands available on the online marketplace.

So, it is challenging for an individual to identify the bad wheel-bearing brands to avoid at all costs.

Using the cheap bearing in your vehicle can put you in a dangerous situation. Therefore, you must stay away from them.

• MOOG (513179, 512518):
  • Poor durability
  • Wears out quickly
• Timken (HA590036):
  • Heats up easily
  • ABS sensor malfunction
  • Expensive
• WJB (WA512326):
  • Humming and rumbling sounds
  • Wheel vibration
  • High price
• Detroit Axle:
  • Cheap quality
  • Short lifespan
  • Safety concerns
• Dorman (950-001):
  • Subpar build quality
  • Short lifespan
  • Clunking noises

Please note that this list only highlights the specific problematic wheel bearing products from the mentioned brands, and not all of their products are of poor quality.

Always check for reviews and compatibility with your vehicle before purchasing any wheel bearing, as individual experiences may vary.

Furthermore, you must check the product review given by its users. It will help you to understand the product quality and the seller’s credibility.

Steven Settles

Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.