Vantage / DB9 wheel bearings

[pptom]

I know they're the same part for all 4 corners on both cars and previously the go to has been fbk1329 and bwk1329 made by Firstline / Borg+Beck (same company)
I've been looking around for the past couple of weeks as I've taken my subframe off my Vantage for restoration and would like to change one.
Everywhere has been out of stock, so I fired off a message to Firstline who replied saying that they no longer make these specific bearings.
Previously they could be had for £350 a pair, not cheap, but bearable, and Aston, now seemingly the only supplier want £370 for one which I'm loathed to pay just because its taking the Mick, especially as they are very similar to a RR sport bearing which can be had for about £50.
I know they have exclusivity deals with some parts suppliers, e.g. you can buy a Goodridge brake hose from Aston but not from Goodridge.
My question is, has anyone found an alternative?
I've searched the previous Ford group cars of the same era, RR sport is about the closest, but still not right. I find it hard to believe they had a hub bearing specifically made for them.
I don't mind paying for decent parts, but don't like being mugged off.

[paulrog1]

Shame Firstline doesn' t make these anymore.

Hopefully find another manufacturer.

[Craig elam1]

I haven’t pulled a hub to bits….yet, but I bet if I do they will be a number on the bearing and it will be readily available,
Somebody with a scrap hub needs to get it on the press

[pptom]

They're not rebuildable. The hub is the outer race of the bearing.

[embdenb]

pptom said:

They're not rebuildable. The hub is the outer race of the bearing.

If the hub is thick enough a machine shop should be able to create a recess for a bearing race.

[DangerMonkey]

It's a few years back now since I replaced one, but if I remember right, it was same wheel bearing as used in the V70. Saved a fair chunk

Try giving Bridge Mill motors in Macclesfield a call

[Percy Penguin]

I changed a front wheel bearing on my V8V last week.

I couldn't find any alternatives either, other than First Line/Bork & Beck which, as the OP says are now unavailable. So I just winced and paid the AM main stealer price - reduced to *only* £326 with AMOC discount. And for that price it didn't even come in a box, just an unbranded clear plastic bag...

I still have the old bearing but there doesn't seem to be any markings or numbers on it I'm afraid. Let me know if you need any measurements, etc. to help identify an alternative.

[pptom]

Thanks Percy, both of mine are out at the moment due to the subframe refresh.
I've given up looking, searched Ford, Volvo (inc V70), JLR, and google extensively, nothing has been close enough to order and try. I'm now convinced that there is a part of the hub which is AM specific, Firstline probably had a cull and decided that a particular part wasn't profitable enough to manufacture.
Also, the idea of rebuilding a non rebuildable hub is a non starter, the hub assemblies are manufactured with a bearing preload, I could machine the old one to take a bearing, but there is no way to preload it, don't really want to go Heath Robinson. Begrudgingly, genuine it will be.

[pptom]

So, a textbook case of sods law.
I wanted to change 1 bearing as preventive maintenance, since they were both out and one was an original, the other had been replaced.
Gave up looking for a new one, so cleaned and painted the hubs and re-fitted them this morning.
Came in for lunch and what's popped up on my e.bay saved items list.
You've guessed it, FBK1329 listed at £240 each, so not as cheap as they were, but I've ordered one. Guessing that someone has found a batch (Christmas stocktake?) or it's a listing by accident.

[CatalystV12V]

What’s the expected mileage for wheel bearing ??

[pptom]

No idea, hopefully some others will chip in but my vantage is on 44k with, like I say, one original and one replaced rear bearing.

[paulrog1]

I replaced both rears on my DB9 a few years ago when I had everything out for the rear subframe.

The car had done 60k miles and they we're still ok.

[LTP]

CatalystV12V said:

What’s the expected mileage for wheel bearing ??

Depends on the loading. I’ve done over 125k miles each in a couple of Volvo V70’s and never had to replace one

clarified

Edited by LTP on Saturday 30th December 09:27

[V8V Pete]

CatalystV12V said:

What’s the expected mileage for wheel bearing ??

Much more than the engine in my experience

My Vantage S is on its third (and hopefully last) engine but is still running all its original wheel bearings at 51K miles.

[CatalystV12V]

Thanks all.. useful to know..