I'd like some advice on how to identify genuine Timken rear wheel bearings.
I've bought a set for one rear wheel (for £45, which seems about the right price, for GHK1548 tapered), but it's at the back of my mind that if Minispares haven't been able to get hold of Timken rears for a couple of years, where would a smaller supplier have got them from?
The packaging says "Automotive Bearings Ltd. The Classic ABK002", which is identical to a couple of items listed on Ebay for <£15.
I can't see any obvious quality issues with the bearings themselves, but I wouldn't be qualified to know as I hardly ever have any reason to handle bearings.
I do notice on this thread by Mikespider about front bearings, that his come cable-tied together (to avoid mixing up the wrong rollers/races) and are hand-engraved with matching numbers.
Should I be worried that my rear bearings haven't come like this?
One other alternative was to buy an SNR kit from Eurocarparts - for £101!! A bit too much for me to stomach!