I am going to be replacing the axle bearings on my TRX 250R, and I am wondering what the benefits of an aftermarket bearing carrier are? Is there any reason to get one if the factory carrier still works?

 

The reason to upgrade to the aftermarket carriers is greater durability. The aftermarket carriers utilize several bearing types. There are double wide bearings, and the strongest tapered bearing types.

To understand the durability part, first understand the stock type bearing is a sealed roller ball bearing. Not exactly the strongest type. Side loads tend to make the retainer break, retainer breaks, bearing fails. Excesses pre-load from overtightening can cause pre-mature bearing failure.

First type, the double wide bearings are still a stock type bearing but twice the width of bearing surface. Double wide bearings are thence twice as strong.

The next type is a tapered bearing. By far the strongest type of bearing. Typically all cars and trucks utilize this type for wheel bearings. The tapered bearing is serviceable, while most sealed roller ball bearings are not(R&R).

Both mine and the wifes 250R have double wide carriers and I have not had any problems to date with the bearings. However, if I were to buy a new carrier I would buy the tapered type for a piece of mind knowing that I would'nt ever blow out a bearing. Also that they are serviceable and the bearing is most likely to be stocked at an auto parts store if I'm out riding for a weekend and do have a failure for some reason.

If you haven't had any problems with your carrier, then I guess it would be hard to justify purchasing one. However, for an extra piece of mind knowing that a blown bearing won't ruin a weekend then.....look aftermarket. You've got understand from my perspective, it's a 4+ hour drive(shortest drive 230 mi., up to 370 mi. to Coos Bay) to go ride in the dunes, therefore I ensure that there won't be any problems that would preclude me from riding after driving that long/far.

 

As above post states tapperd is the way to go. You may spend some extra dough but it's well worth it. I have RAD tapperd with lifetime warranty, No problems.

NoShwagg