Please recommend which makes for cambelt & bearings on X

[DIYNotIan]

Hi all

I need to replace the cambelt and a front wheel bearing on my Citroen Xsara 1.4 1999.

My garage has said they would use either Gates or Dayco for the belt.... Are they both good makes? Or would you recommend something else?

As for the wheel bearing, I had this replaced just over a year ago so I am surprised it went again so quickly. I checked the old invoice and the part used last time was: FB05543, which seems to relate to a Febi Bilstein part. Don't know if that is good or bad (been told mixed things).

The advice I've had says to go for SKF or Timken. Would people here agree? If so, how do I go about finding out exactly which part number I need for these makes?

A couple of other makes that have cropped up are FAG and Quinton Hazell. Any thoughts on those?

Many thanks

Max

 

[Burnerman]

Gates and Dayco are probably the best ever for belts......fit with confidence!
As for the wheel bearing, Timken, FAG, SKF or QH - all should be quality parts, and the part number will depend on the make and where you buy it.
You can also go to a bearing specialist if you like - I use a firm called Eriks as they are brilliant and only supply top quality stuff.
John

 

[DIYNotIan]

Many thanks for that.

So, ever come across Febi Bilstein? Do you think it is because they used that part that it failed 8,000 miles later? Or could there be another reason?

Thanks

Max

 

[DIYNotIan]

Many thanks for that.

So, ever come across Febi Bilstein? Do you think it is because they used that part that it failed 8,000 miles later? Or could there be another reason?

Thanks

Max

 

[Burnerman]

I seem to recall that Bilstein were shock absorber manufacturers of some note, years ago.....I can't comment on the quality of their products now.
Wheel bearings fail prematurely if a) they are of poor quality b) there isn't enough grease in them or the seals are damaged c) ham fisted installation.
These days, we simply don't know where our aftermarket parts come from, but fitting a genuine Citroen item should give piece of mind!
John

 

[Stivino]

I remember Bilstein too, they were the shockers to have back in the day.
It seems they are still in that business. http://www.bilstein.com/
I hadn't heard of Febi bilstein but they have a nice site and it seems they've just snaffled Blue Print. http://www.febi.com/febicouk/home.html
I'll second John's opinion re Timken, FAG, SKF & QH. They're all top quality names. The same goes for Gates.