Differences in Koyo Bearing Markings - Way to Detect Real or Copy?

[ExpeditionMan]

Hello,

I recently acquired replacement hubs for my 200 series and noticed that the bearing markings on the part I pulled do not match the one supplied. I am the second owner of this truck, so they could have been replaced before, however I doubt it due to the condition. See the images below, which are slightly different in stamping and numerical identification. The bearing marked with "Japan" and "5A" is the original. I do believe the ones I received are OEM components and were likely manufactured in the states (for example a Tundra or Sequoia part). Has the forum found a way to know for sure? Although difficult to see both have very small part numbers on the outermost edge.

In all honesty, I am going to install these as they look great, but am now curious in general.

 

[bloc]

Maybe try contacting Koyo and see whether they have methods to identify counterfeits.

 

[fjc-man]

Who did you get it from and what did you pay, pre-pressed?

 

[ExpeditionMan]

Who did you get it from and what did you pay, pre-pressed?

Purchased from 2003-2022 toyota & lexus 4x4 and 4x2 bolt-on front wheel bearing assemblies - https://bluepitbearings.com/ on a recommenation from a Tacoma friend whose been running his for ~30k miles

 

[fjc-man]

If your concern is primarily Koyo bearings, you should give yota bearingsandhubs.com a look. Pretty competitive prices.

 

[doru]

^that web site does not exist. Can you check the address? Thx

 

[ExpeditionMan]

^that web site does not exist. Can you check the address? Thx

Works fine for me

 

[gaijin]

^that web site does not exist. Can you check the address? Thx

Here you go: Toyota | Yota Bearings and Hubs | United States - https://www.yotabearingsandhubs.com/

 

[doru]

Thanks!

 

[linuxgod]

It’s possible the OEM bearings have different markings it part #s, even if they were manufactured by Koyo. Or the different markings indicated a revised part, or even a different facility it was manufactured at.

 

[bloc]

If it helps this new in box made in Japan Genuine Toyota Koyo-produced bearing has been on my shelf for about a year.

 

[bjowett]

A little late here… as far as I can find, there are two different bearings produced by Koyo (along with some fakes). The only apparent exterior visual difference between the genuine parts lies in the area between brown inner wheel speed sensor/seal and the outer housing. If one looks at the -5 suffix bearing, there is some white grease visible there. On the -5A suffix, a thin dark metal band and absence of grease can be noted. What is that metal band?

Well, it’s a very serious high performance seal contained in there, more on that shortly. The -5 really doesn’t have much of seal there, it relies entirely on the brown wheel speed sensor, which is why the white grease can be observed in the gap. How the -5 contains the majority of the packed grease inside the bearing is anyone’s guess, but it seems reasonably effective at doing so, at least for a good amount of time.

Now onto the goods… The -5A has this lovely 3 lip seal hiding behind the brown wheel speed sensor.

Brown speed sensor (viewed from behind) vs tri-lip seal. Both bearings have the brown sensor, on the -5A receives the seal.

Seal design side cut…

Now the debate, how much life do these seals add to the bearing, and under what circumstances do those exist? Toyota only installs the -5A on the Land Cruiser. The Tundra and Sequoias receive the -5. Aftermarket Koyo is usually -5. These bearings also come with -5AR and -5B/-5BR suffixes. I suspect the -5/-5B bearing are the units lacking the seals. An additional easy giveaway on what bearing you have, the -5 extra sealed bearing probably won’t have the plastic shipping retainer on the inner bore. The extra seal holds everything together, those lacking the seals will fall apart while handling. Example…

 

[bloc]

A little late here… as far as I can find, there are two different bearings produced by Koyo (along with some fakes). The only apparent exterior visual difference between the genuine parts lies in the area between brown inner wheel speed sensor/seal and the outer housing. If one looks at the -5 suffix bearing, there is some white grease visible there. On the -5A suffix, a thin dark metal band and absence of grease can be noted. What is that metal band?

Well, it’s a very serious high performance seal contained in there, more on that shortly. The -5 really doesn’t have much of seal there, it relies entirely on the brown wheel speed sensor, which is why the white grease can be observed in the gap. How the -5 contains the majority of the packed grease inside the bearing is anyone’s guess, but it seems reasonably effective at doing so, at least for a good amount of time.

Now onto the goods… The -5A has this lovely 3 lip seal hiding behind the brown wheel speed sensor.
View attachment 3769498
Brown speed sensor (viewed from behind) vs tri-lip seal. Both bearings have the brown sensor, on the -5A receives the seal.
View attachment 3769499
Seal design side cut…
View attachment 3769501

Now the debate, how much life do these seals add to the bearing, and under what circumstances do those exist? Toyota only installs the -5A on the Land Cruiser. The Tundra and Sequoias receive the -5. Aftermarket Koyo is usually -5. These bearings also come with -5AR and -5B/-5BR suffixes. I suspect the -5/-5B bearing are the units lacking the seals. An additional easy giveaway on what bearing you have, the -5 extra sealed bearing probably won’t have the plastic shipping retainer on the inner bore. The extra seal holds everything together, those lacking the seals will fall apart while handling. Example…
View attachment 3769509

And only a $14 difference in MSRP..