Blueprinted hubs - Mazda Comp vs. TCM/ART/5XR
#1
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I need to replace both front hubs on my car, and I'm willing to spend a bit more on a hub that's going to last longer. Looks like there are several places that will sell blueprinted hubs, and I'm trying to figure out which makes the most sense. Here's what I've found:
Mazda Motorsports - These are the only ones I've found who claim that they actually upgrade the ball bearings plus better grease. They're pricey at $235 per hub though.
Treasure Coast Miata - I like the price point ($115 ea. with ARP studs). I emailed TCM about their process, and they said: "We disassemble the core, clean, measure/inspect the races and *****. If they check out to be in spec we reassemble with a MUCH better grease." So the main upgrade here is just the grease, it would seem.
ART and 5X Racing are both similar in that they both claim the "blueprinting" process is mainly just inspecting and repacking with a different grease. ART wants $192 ea. (via FM) and 5X Racing wants $100 but they are currently not available on the site.
So, I guess the main question is, are the Mazda Motorsports hubs worth the extra ~$100 for better ball bearings, vs. a hub that's just repacked with better grease? Anyone have experience with the TCM hubs? I saw the thread on ARTs.
(I realize there is a third option here of buying a Timken or something and repacking myself, but I don't think I will have time to do that before the next race...)
Mazda Motorsports - These are the only ones I've found who claim that they actually upgrade the ball bearings plus better grease. They're pricey at $235 per hub though.
Treasure Coast Miata - I like the price point ($115 ea. with ARP studs). I emailed TCM about their process, and they said: "We disassemble the core, clean, measure/inspect the races and *****. If they check out to be in spec we reassemble with a MUCH better grease." So the main upgrade here is just the grease, it would seem.
ART and 5X Racing are both similar in that they both claim the "blueprinting" process is mainly just inspecting and repacking with a different grease. ART wants $192 ea. (via FM) and 5X Racing wants $100 but they are currently not available on the site.
So, I guess the main question is, are the Mazda Motorsports hubs worth the extra ~$100 for better ball bearings, vs. a hub that's just repacked with better grease? Anyone have experience with the TCM hubs? I saw the thread on ARTs.
(I realize there is a third option here of buying a Timken or something and repacking myself, but I don't think I will have time to do that before the next race...)
#2
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How in the world is TCM measuring roundness tolerance in a G50 ball (OEM)?
I buy Gilfus hubs through Mazdacomp, but I'm not perfectly happy with them. The rear seals seem to be pretty finnicky.
I buy Gilfus hubs through Mazdacomp, but I'm not perfectly happy with them. The rear seals seem to be pretty finnicky.
#7
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Are any of these people actually putting in silicone nitride G10 BBs?
#8
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Guys, you don't need to pay all that money. Take your old bearings (or use new) apart and check for pitting (after cleaning of course). If you don't find any, simply take out the inner races and "re-finish" them (using a flat surface and sandpaper, sand the inside faces a few thousands (this allows more "preload" on the bearing when you torque them together. I have yet to find any exact tolerances published (i'm sure someone has some ballpark figures that work well) This is how i service hubs/bearings on Ferrari challenge cars (yeah, these cost over $1000 per corner and are "non-serviceable"
#9
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Guys, you don't need to pay all that money. Take your old bearings (or use new) apart and check for pitting (after cleaning of course). If you don't find any, simply take out the inner races and "re-finish" them (using a flat surface and sandpaper, sand the inside faces a few thousands (this allows more "preload" on the bearing when you torque them together. I have yet to find any exact tolerances published (i'm sure someone has some ballpark figures that work well) This is how i service hubs/bearings on Ferrari challenge cars (yeah, these cost over $1000 per corner and are "non-serviceable"
The TCM hubs are a pretty small upcharge from just buying a new Timken, so I'm leaning toward that route, unless there's a big longevity increase with the Mazda Comp units.
#13
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Here's a probably dumb question: usually I put some grease on the spindles before I install the new hubs, but in this case I don't know what type of grease TCM used to repack. Should I worry about mixing incompatible greases if I use the Redline grease I have lying around?
Stop overthinking. Just grease your damn shaft with whatever you have.