I have a question for people I have an LT80 that needs a new bearing on the rear clutch shaft. They give a measurement for the bearing and want about $21 per bearing for OEM. Did a little homework from eBay to bearing stores online they sell for $2.22 for one bearing to $5 on eBay for 2 with shipping. Whats your opinion on using the non OEM? I figure all bearings fail in time since they are sealed. Heck the OEM failed... I plan on trying it and keeping you updated on progress and problems.

 

Depends on the bearing manufacturer and there quality of steel.

Can,t compare a china bearing to a SfK or F.A.G made bearing.

Its like a dollar store wrench vs one made by Snap-On.

 

Nsk,skf,timken,***,etc are all good bearings,have plants all over the world,but are in competition with Chinese,Taiwan,Russian bearings,some of which are junk.Bearing failure could be from lack of lubrication or the bearing itself.I'd be careful on "NO NAME" bearings on ebay.I found a mixture of Chinese/Russian bearings in some Polaris transmissions and for the most part the Russian bearings were the one that were junk and failed. Just take the bearing "universal number" to any good auto or bearing house. Many of these places you have a couple choices on bearing brands. Plus the only difference between a RS3205 for example and a plain 3205 bearing is just the shielding,prelubed,and used in applications such as wheel bearing,etc. This in many cases can just be popped off and used in other applications.Bearing dimensions are the same. Just on Polaris I noticed that though they may have skimped on some bearings in gear cases(US made cases), bearings on the Japanese Fugi engine crank shafts and other internal engine bearings seems they used good quality Nsk Japanese bearings for the most part. Not sure what your Lt80 uses now compared to years ago now that every things becoming globalized.

 

I use OEM bearings in the rear clutch. $17.58 at powersportswarehouse.com.
I've replaced alot of the rear clutch bearings.
I use Koyo bearings for most all the other bearings.

 

I will look into them there. I read what you have said about seals and found that very helpful. I just didn't realize they have had such a big difference in bearings. Thanks for all of those who have voiced there 2 cents and any others.