There are several well-regarded companies manufacturing HGV wheel bearings for the UK market.
FAG bearings are a firm favourite with hauliers, having established a reputation for precision engineering and a long service life. In this guide, we look at where are FAG bearings made, who makes FAG bearings, and answer are FAG bearings a good choice for hauliers looking for performance and reliability.
FAG bearings have an established reputation in the industry for high-performance and reliability. What do they offer hauliers and why are they a trusted choice for many fleet operators in the UK?
Who makes FAG bearings?
Modern FAG bearings are built on a long tradition of manufacturing excellence that stretches back well over a century.
Originally founded in Germany in the late 19th century by Friedrich Fishcer, FAG is one of the best established names in the vehicle bearing industry. Fischer’s development of a ball grinding machine made it possible for manufacturers to mass-produce high-precision ball bearings. The brand grew over time, establishing a solid reputation for excellence in engineering.
FAG is now part of the Schaeffler Group, a company with global reputation in the automotive and industrial components industry. The FAG brand has been maintained and still manufactures premium bearings for the vehicle industry.
The Schaeffler Group invests heavily in research and development, championing innovation and quality control. FAG bearings have a firm reputation for performance and reliability, making them a proven choice for HGV operators.
Combining tradition and innovation, FAG bearings have a proven reputation for consistency across the decades.
Where are FAG bearings made?
The Schaeffler Group has a number of manufacturing facilities across the world where FAG bearings are made. Germany, where the brand originated, is still a key hub for manufacturing high-precision bearings. Numerous specialised bearings are made at the group’s Germany plants, particularly for those for more demanding applications. India and China also have large scale production facilities to meet global demand.
Distribution and assembly centres across Europe, including those that support the UK market, allow for efficient logistics. This means that the UK HGV market has a reliable supply of FAG bearings to meet the needs of hauliers.
While looking for ways to keep production costs competitive to ensure that hauliers are able to access their products at a realistic price, Schaeffler refuses to compromise on quality. This means that they can be marginally more expensive than some of their competitors but will often deliver a better performance over time.
Are FAG bearings good for HGVs?
FAG bearings have a long-established reputation for high-performance and reliability. Widely regarded as among the best in the industry, they are particularly valued for applications with a high load-bearing capacity.
Some of the key elements that make FAG bearings a good choice for hauliers include:
● Precision & load capacity
FAG bearings are manufactured with very tight tolerances from high quality materials. This ensures they can comfortably withstand the kind of axial and radial loads placed on HGVs wheel bearings. Their dimensional accuracy improves vehicle stability and reduces vibration for enhanced safety and driver comfort.
● Durability
HGV bearings are placed under high degrees of pressure and strain on a daily basis, making them prone to deterioration and loss of performance. FAG bearings are developed to be highly durable, reducing wear, and with slower degradation over time. This means they need replacing less frequently, which is vital for reducing costs and minimising vehicle downtime.
● Resistance to environmental conditions
HGVs on UK roads are exposed to a range of harsh conditions, from winter road salt, to dust, water, and mud. FAG bearings are developed to better resist contamination and corrosion, ensuring a reliable performance across different road conditions all year round.
FAG bearings versus other brands
As suppliers of HGV wheel bearings and other components, we’re sometimes asked are FAG bearings good, and how do they compare to other brands. FAG, like all of the wheel bearings we stock, are an outstanding choice for anyone looking for engineering quality and good long-term performance.
Fleet operators and private hauliers often choose FAG because of their reputation for consistency and reliability. They’re particularly valued where vehicles cover large annual distances, particularly long-distance routes, or have to carry heavier than average loads. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) utilise FAG bearings for the initial fit in HGVs, reflecting the consistency and trust in the brand throughout the industry.
FAG bearings are a high-precision brand, which means they can be more expensive than other options. However, FAG bearings generally provide better corrosion resistance and load tolerance than cheaper alternatives. This means they will generally require less maintenance and less frequent replacement, which can result in cost savings over time.
Whether you’re responsible for maintaining a single HGV or an entire fleet, it can be sensible to invest in quality components to ensure long-term reliability and reduce downtime.
Expert advice and high quality parts from CV Hubs & Bearings
At CV Hubs & Bearings, we’re specialists in all things HGV, bus, and trailer wheel hubs and bearings. Our experienced team is always on hand to answer any questions you may have.
We stock an extensive range of wheel hub components for a wide range of vehicles, including FAG bearings.
Contact us to find out more about our range of products and services.
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