Wheel bearing search

[John Larson <jdlarson@ix.netcom.com>]

Jason, a little search of bearing houses over the phone may surprise
you. In my 25 years as a wrench and 22 years as a shop owner, I have
that the average bearing supply house has few of the more expensive
specialized bearings used in German cars, especially the double row ball
bearings used in the driven wheels. The few they do have are often
priced somewhat higher to much higher than other sources. Alternator,
A/C, non-driven wheel bearings and perhaps some transmission bearings
may be available from them. However, many transmission bearings may not
be exactly the same as their non-automotive counterparts, some use
uncommon combinations of inner and outer races not normally available
over the counter, and some may have specialized retaining grooves. The
int. plate mainshaft bearing in a 901 transmission has a cage made of
brass instead of the steel used in it's non automotive, and much
cheaper, counterpart.
Finally, the wholesale cost of these specialized bearings is frequently
substantially lower than list when purchased through Import WDs than it
would be through a bearing house, due to the nature of their business. I
doubt the price of the bearing in question, 443 498 625 E (565636)),
would be much less than $35 from a bearing supply house, even if they
did have it. I could be wrong.
John