A 'better' wheel bearing?

[Talkwrench]

Just about to change all four wheel bearings on my Elise S1, as one has become rather noisy.
For all you track hooligans and racers out there, do you know of the best quality bearing to fit or is the standard item the only option? Timken have an enviable reputation so I'd probably search for those but does anyone else know of a 'quality' product that will last longer under normal use?

[Esprit]

The ones that EliseParts sell I think are the Timken ones. They're the genuine article. There are cheaper options out there that aren't worth bothering with

[Mr_C]

Only use the Timken ones. I know people who've had trouble with others.

Eliseparts charge a fair bit for them though, it's only a maestro wheel bearing and they're much cheaper without the Lotus tag on them, for the same part...

[Esprit]

FYI I think the Timken ones aren't labelled as such. Timken supply them but I think they contract out the manufacture. They may come in a Timken box but it's not likely they'll state "Timken" on the outer race.

[Scuffers]

Esprit said:

FYI I think the Timken ones aren't labelled as such. Timken supply them but I think they contract out the manufacture. They may come in a Timken box but it's not likely they'll state "Timken" on the outer race.

Timken don't farm them out...

they do have different plants and some are not marked (OEM contracts usually preclude this).

only other bearings I have seen in this size are not taper roller (ball) and had issues with float.

[Talkwrench]

Timken it is then. Anyone know the Timken part number off hand? I''m sure my local bearing specialist will be the cheapest option.

[Talkwrench]

Bump!
Anyone have the Timken number to hand?