Rear bearings: OEM or AM

[Kief]

I had a leaky rear axle in my 89 Toyota 2wd mini truck and when I pulled it apart I realized that it was gonna need bearings as well. I have 92k on it but there looked to be some red/rusty grease next to the bearings on both sides and the axle has a fair amount of play in the bearing so they are both going to get replaced.
I've priced OEM at $84 for the bearing and keeper and at my local parts store for $50-carquest no maker's marks on them (price each x 2) . I already picked up the seals at Toyota. I saw Marlin had a kit but I don't really want to wait a week for shipping and take back a bunch of parts. I'd settle for known brand AM but know OEM is good quality.. $70 difference in quality?

Your opinion is appreciated.. TIA

 

[fjfodee]

Personally I prefer factory Koyo bearings, but I have sold (and used) many China made bearings over the years and can't remember having any problems. I'm a NAPA dealer and the majority of the people I deal with want the cheapest thing available. I know the cheaper stuff is not the same quality, so I guess it depends on whether the $ saved is worth the difference in quality. NAPA offers an OEM line of part called ATM or (Altrom) that is factory Japan made stuff. The Koyo bearings are not any cheaper from NAPA than Toyota, but if you prefer to use OEM parts, most of the ATM parts are cheaper through NAPA. Hope this helps.

 

[Combat Chuck]

I'll stand by Koyo's, when I switched over to Toyota, it was the first time OEM hardware was actually good, I'm used to running General Motors crap, where things like bearings, axle seals, and valve stem seals were bad jokes intended to last only long enough to get the car off the factory floor.

Anyway, if those ATM brand bearings are solid, and a little more affordable, then look into those, too.

 

[fjfodee]

Anyway, if those ATM brand bearings are solid, and a little more affordable, then look into those, too.

The ATM line is NAPA's Asian OEM line of part, they are Koyo brand bearings. Although they are not any cheaper through NAPA. Part # 936, retail for $41.52 ea. If you're really nice you might could get the counterman to give you only a 30% mark up, which would be $32.61 ea.

 

[4rnr]

my passenger side oe bearing went around 100k. The aftermarket one I put in went again at 135k. the oe drivers is still there......till I had to change both shafts cause they were bent.

 

[Kief]

The ATM line is NAPA's Asian OEM line of part, they are Koyo brand bearings. Although they are not any cheaper through NAPA. Part # 936, retail for $41.52 ea. If you're really nice you might could get the counterman to give you only a 30% mark up, which would be $32.61 ea.

I thought about checking around- The parts guy had a premium line for $100 each! I'll check out Napa next time- OEM is on the axle and ready for the install. If I can get another 100k out of these it would be great.

84 for the keeper and bearing--- that is a lot more than NAPA!