HB206-FF T-Top Bearings Breaking- Is There A BETTER Alternative?

[bud45]

In the past, I have found that the BCA brand of HB206-FF hanger bearing- the bearing itself, in the T-top configuration- has lasted longer than others. The second to last one lasted 6 years, but I finally had to replace it in November because it finally rusted away right at the "T". NOW, this latest bearing, less than two months old, BROKE at the "T". I noticed that this latest hanger bearing's metal in the bracket is thinner. It now has the "Federal Mogul" name splashed on the box, but still in the BCA box.

My question is- and I can't deviate from the T-top style without a LOT of retrofitting (this is a daily driver)- IS there a GOOD, beefier T-top hanger bearing out there I can try? At over $50 a pop, I don't have the resources to try several of them.

I don't hot-rod the truck- in fact, my wife claims I drive like a grandpa (which I am!); daily mileage is 26-30 miles per round trip and is mostly pavement, with 1-1/4 mile of maintained dirt road per round trip. It is a 3-on-the-tree and the clutch is in good shape. About every 6 weeks or so, I load up some scrap metal & haul it about 10 miles for recycling. So, this truck is definitely NOT abused in any way.

Years ago, before I found the "good" BCA bearing, I was changing hanger bearings about every 6 months or so, but these mainly had bad bearings themselves and the hanger's frame itself seemed thicker.

Any suggestions, please? Or am I doomed to be cursed with shoddy materials due to the "free market"?

Thanks, one and all. Bud

[hayhauler71]

http://www.iedls.com/Center-Support-...kup-Trucks.asp

I have used this hanger bearing for many years without a problem

[bud45]

WOW, Fuzzy! Looks good, but at $133....

The company I bought the BCA from replaced it with an SKF bearing...the betalic frame of the bearing is substantially thicker and is cast in all one piece, unlike the later version of the BCA, which has a thin frame tack-welded to an upper plate...I'll see how the SKF holds up, then go to your suggestion....

...however, I'll be saving my pennies, quarters, nickles & dimes against the $133 pedestal bearing, just in case...thank you!

Bud

[bud45]

Here it is May...and the 2nd SKF bearing has come apart at the top, like all the rest. The little tack welds break on the passenger side, again, like all the rest. I'll be checking my alignment and bushings, just in case. I'll be buying the Inland bearing soon...the aftermarket HB206-FF bearings are TRASH....

[slikside]

Seems to me, if you're busting bearings like that, something else is wrong.

Maybe have your driveline looked at, and rebalanced.
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