Question about the ball-bearing industry

I don't have anything useful to say, but a few years ago I changed out the front wheel bearings in a Ford Pinto. The factory-original bearings were "made in Japan" NSK. A few weeks later I did a Mazda B2000 pickup. Its original bearings were "made in USA" Timkens.

I think there's a lot of "global" in the bearing industry...

I also have an Aisin automatic transmission wrapped in plastic bags out in the shop. It has two large ball bearings on the output shaft. They were in bad shape, so I tried to buy some replacements... not available from Suzuki, Chevrolet, or Toyota, all who used that particular transmission. I called the NSK rep in California, who contacted his opposite number in Japan; they were customs for Aisin, made in one big lot in the 1980s, not a catalog item, none in stock, no plans to make more.

Well.

I wound up getting rid of the car. Now I have a partially-reassembled transmission, what's left of the rebuild kit, a box full of custom-made tools, and an engine stand adapter occupying space in the shop.

If you have a bearing supplier in your area I would ask to see their "International Bearing Interchange Guide", or their "International Cyclopedia Bearing Manual". These sets of books describe down to the most minute detail the specifications of each bearing type. A bearing labeled "BR549SQP5D" should be the same regardless of the manufacturer. As far as I know they cover every seal and bearing currently on the market. They also have a section defining what current bearing supersedes one that is now obsolete.

They are also available for sale in either printed or DVD format. You can also buy a subscription to view them online. I would suggest contacting a bearing supplier for a one time purchase. The books are a bit pricey at around $450.00 per set

NVM