MiataOwner

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I'm replacing my rear wheel hub bearings for a 2005 NB. What is a good kit to go with? RockAuto has only 1 listed, DURAGO 29596007. Comes with bearing, nut, clip, and hub for $33. I'm not finding many other options. Planet Miata prices out an OEM kit for $800. Other sites sell the same DuraGo kit, and another from Pronto for around the same price. Should I go with the cheap kit? Is that bearing good enough? Should I substitute that kits bearing with one from Mazda, or Timken?

matrussell122

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http://sadfab.com/prod%209005%20miat...p%20drive.html

Their rear hub conversion.

MiataOwner

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for that idea. I'll see what my machinist wants for the labor.
If this cost exceeds my budget, whats the next option? Reuse the OEM hub, or buy the one from the kit? Use their bearings, or buy Timken?

matrussell122

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Buy sadfab hups and bearings then replace like any other hub/bearing. Your labor will be the same regardless but this is the solution to good and strong.

MiataOwner

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What's my next less expensive alternative?

Can I go with that $33 hub kit and add better quality timken bearings?

Bronson M

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SKF seems to be the favorite for endurance guys lately. Heard one or two anecdotal negative reviews of the Timkins. If you're not going to upgrade to the MR2 hubs then just about any of the china hubs will do in a pinch.

MiataOwner

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The SFKs are in the same price range as Timken. So what's wrong with Timken then? They have always been my go to bearing brand besides OEM.

sadfabs prices are good. they are just rounding up parts cost, and most of the profits come from the machine work, and assembly. If i go rockauto and buy durago hub kit, and timken/sfk bearings all together its gonna run me about $125. vs $300 for sadfabs
i dont need extended wheel studs, but i want good wheel studs. so its mostly down to the MR2 conversion. do I need it? do oem hubs fail? is the aftermarket one crap? who makes the mr2 hubs?

Bronson M

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Endurance racers find the life of parts faster than us mortals......they think the SKF's last longer and for a few dollar difference why mess around to find out? Are you tracking your car with 200tw or stickier tires? If so rear hub cracking is in the realm of possibility. Just a street car that does an occasional HPDE on street tires? yeah the MR2 hub probably aren't worth your money. On studs, extended means ARP which are good, otherwise it's whatever they ship with the hubs and there isn't much if any options in between.

There are others machining MR2 hubs now days.......

MiataOwner

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Thanks. What about cv axles? Are the RockAuto/Autozone ones good? they are cheaper than what's selling used on eBay.

Bronson M

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I've "heard" that re-manufactured CV's are ground thinner in critical areas that can lead to premature failures. That's like 3rd hand knowledge and you have no idea what was done to a reman axle so.......I stick with OEM.

MiataOwner

iTrader: (1)

Got my 1.8 differential housing today. gonna replace the axle seals.
Any idea why SKF seals are $5 and Timken/National are $17? they also look different

and here is oem



Found this on amazon, looks to be the correct seal

Also should I buy the reinforcement plate kit for the diff arms, or upgrade to delrin bushings?