SKF is using the results of a recent product test to highlight the dangers that aftermarket vehicle repair technicians could expose themselves to if they choose to use some low-cost wheel bearing hub unit products during the repair process.

A number of low-cost wheel bearing hub units that are available in the aftermarket claim to be OE quality, so SKF performed a round of tests to see whether these claims were accurate.

The low-cost hub units were put through the same rigorous tests that SKF's OE quality hub units routinely undergo to test and evaluate the structure and endurance of the product.

During the tests, the precision parts manufacturer uncovered some disturbing facts that could lead to some of the low-cost hub units compromising the safety of the vehicle after a repair. These were:

Sensor wires that were too thin to perform properly and could cause damage to the sensor and subsequently the ABS system.
Badly designed sensor heads compromising the performance of the sensor.
Low-quality inboard and outboard seals allowing contaminants to enter the hub.
Low-quality metal with inadequate heat treatment, leaving the metal brittle; traces of aluminium oxide causing spalling and failure.

Roberto Marossero, SKF Wheel End Product Manager, said: "These tests show that there are some low-cost hub units in the aftermarket that claim to be OE quality but actually fall short of precise OE specifications. It's a concerning situation and shows that the aftermarket should be vigilant when choosing hub units to use.

"These tests showed that some low-cost hub units are likely to fail much earlier, reducing the service life of the vehicle and compromising safety. There is also a serious risk of losing a wheel if the flange is broken, a risk of excessive noise and vibration and a real possibility of an ABS system malfunction because of the poor quality sensors that are used in some low-cost products. This brings longer stopping distances and reduced vehicle control."

For more information about SKF's OE quality components, aftermarket vehicle repair technicians should contact their local SKF representative. www.skf.com

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