Tensioner Bearing Quality

I bought a couple of tensioner bearings from Superformance and supplied to my mechanic to fit while doing the timing belts (308GT4). However the mechanic says that these bearings are not as high a quality as the original factory bearings.

Now he has asked if I would like him to fit these or have him purchase and fit a set of factory bearings. The factory bearings are not cheap and cost $250 AUD each.

Being of limited mechanical knowledge (well enough to get into trouble! ) how should I know!?!

So should I have him fit the superformance bearings? Or should I have him supply and fit the factory bearings? Is there a great quality difference?

Thanks!

 

I have never heard of Superformanace bearings mate. Where are they made?

 

Hello from Germany,

Superformance sells two different tensioner bearing brands. Breda Lorett ( green box ) and the well known SKF 22380 ( blue packaging ). Which do you have ?
Quality judgement if difficult. How does your mechanic know, that the ones you got are of mediocre quality ?
From all the stories of the past about the genuine Ferrari tensioners I doubt about their quality as well.

Best Regards

Martin

 

The original bearings seem to fail regulary. I am suprised no one has come up with a better answer considering the # of 308s out there. Interestingly enough, the problem did not seem to affect the 308GT/4s.

 

the tensioner bearings are a double row ball bearing which is not the best application for its use, a needle bearing would be better for the loads and speed.

 

Get nick's special bearings.

Forza

www.nicksforzaferrari.com

Pulleys & custom tensioner bearings for 2 valve & 4 valve engines,manufactured from aircraft grade 6061 T-6 alloy
Hard anodised to to 55-60 Rockwell,360 degree verniers.Custom timing belt tensioner bearings with outer aluminum races & circlips featuring SKF internal bearings
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Yes I'm curious too how can you tell?

 

What is surprising is I had to replace a tensioner bearing on my truck and it was the same apparent design (outside appearance) as the tensioner bearing from my 328 GTS. My truck had 90,000 miles! However, it never reved up to 8000 rpm either. The actual tension, rpm and heat conditions the Ferrari bearing sees is probably harsher than on a domestic car. After all my truck tensioner was not applied to a cam belt, just to a serpentine belt.

 

Yes, how much load average RPM on the bearing has alot to do with the life of the bearing .
Of course quality is also a concern.

 

I believe that most of the bearing failures could be avoided if the 5 year/30k miles factory recommendation is followed. Let's face it, casual discussion at any Ferrari gathering shows that many 308/328/Mondial owners defer maintenance well beyond the recommended change interval...Not all, so let's not all get defensive...but I would hazard a guess that close to 50% do. I would suspect that 75 to 80% of f-chatters tend to follow factory recommendations...they care about their cars, that's why they are on this site.

 

Now those bearings and pulleys look sweet - www.nicksforzaferrari.com

The bearings I bought came in a green box so - Breda Lorett. Timing belt tensioner bearing with outer roller #105201 308 - http://www.superformance.co.uk/a-308/eg.htm

The mechanic said these were "mechanical" bearings and the orginal bearings are a Fluid bearing. Is he correct? Found this on wiki - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluid_bearing

By the sounds of the responses, it seems that regardless of the bearing being aftermarket or factory, they can fail. Is it really then a case of just making sure you service the belts and bearings following the factory recommendations? And also by having them visually inspected every other service?

If so, I can't see the justification for the added cost to go to the other bearings when I already have a set of the "cheaper" bearings. Next time I may decide to change.

 

After further reading on fluid bearings, from what I recall the mechanic seemed to imply that the ferrari bearing was a combination of mechanical and fluid. It contains a large outer bearing and a smaller inner bearing. There is a fluid layer between each of the bearings. It allows the bearing to have greater tolerances with the alignment of the belts.

But I could be completely wrong here!!!

 

yes, completely wrong The design of the genuine tensioners and the SKF or Breda bearings is absolutely identical.
In former times there were differences regarding the temperature range of the grease for different applications. Today, SKF states, that all their tensioner bearings are packed with high temperature grease.

Best Regards from Germany

Martin

 

You do have improved design cam belt tensioners from these guys: http://www.hill-engineering.co.uk
They have them for 308, 328 and 348. Look under "Engine Parts"
Many local mechanics say they are the best ...

 

replacing tension bearings is a must if you own a 348 355 in that it requires an engine out to do such: less expensive to repalce while in there, and IMO you should strongly consider the water pump too. 308/328 much different story.

 

My fall project. I'm using the Hill units. Not sure about the water pump. Some say to replace it. Others tell me leave it alone.

 

I've heard both, but I replaced it. ya' expensive, but not as much as $7,500-8K !!!!!!!!

at least have it inspected..... a lot of DIY'ers here can jerk an engine out with no problem....LUSSO my hats off to your state of the art repair facility......but I haven't the room. less expensive to just do it.