MATHEWS CAM BEARING ISSUES

[D S 319]

I got a Hoyt instead this year.

 

[krisn416]

I changed mine out using Koyo’s. Originals were still okay. Nothing noted so far after several months on the new ones.

Thanks! Do you by chance have the PN and link to where you got them?

 

[krisn416]

My replacements have held up just fine undoubtably an upgrade.

Thanks! Do you by chance have the PN and link to where you got them?

 

[gelton]

Thanks! Do you by chance have the PN and link to where you got them?

https://www.vxb.com/R4-2RS-1-4-x5-8-x0-196-inch-Sealed-p/kit7949.htm

 

[krisn416]

https://www.vxb.com/R4-2RS-1-4-x5-8-x0-196-inch-Sealed-p/kit7949.htm

Right on, thank you!

 

[Supranatural]

I’ve had 2 sets of cams replace by Lancaster Archery after the bearings went bad on my VXR28. Their tech replaced it so it’s either 1) a problem with cheap bearings, or 2) trained techs don’t know how to install the cams. Personally I think it’s cheap bearings, each set lasted about 7000 shots (6 months worth of shooting). I think next time I’ll just replace the bearings instead of having the bow down for 10 days.

 

[BBob]

Right on, thank you!

I don't get a warm and fuzzy on the quality of those. Seems to be a generic brand which says china to me. I think I'd seek out a name brand like Koyo, NTN, SNR or the like. The R4-2RS has to be one of the most common bearings ever so you should be able to source them easily. If you have a local bearing house or a Kaman or Motion Industries they all should be able to easily get them for you. McMaster shipped Koyo's the last time I ordered some from them.

 

[krisn416]

I don't get a warm and fuzzy on the quality of those. Seems to be a generic brand which says china to me. I think I'd seek out a name brand like Koyo, NTN, SNR or the like. The R4-2RS has to be one of the most common bearings ever so you should be able to source them easily. If you have a local bearing house or a Kaman or Motion Industries they all should be able to easily get them for you. McMaster shipped Koyo's the last time I ordered some from them.

That’s super helpful. So that R4-2RS is the same across brands? I don’t know how to word it, but kind of like an RJ-45 connector is made by different companies?

 

[BBob]

That’s super helpful. So that R4-2RS is the same across brands? I don’t know how to word it, but kind of like an RJ-45 connector is made by different companies?

Absolutely, an R4-2RS designation is a standard bearing number found in all kinds of small assembly's and is the same dimensions across the board. You may find it listed as an R4-EE as well and that is the same thing. 2RS and EE both designate a double sealed bearing and is manufacturer dependent but are equally the same. In fact your bearing person will likely verify if you want a double seal or you could tell them you want a double seal to make sure.

 

[krisn416]

Absolutely, an R4-2RS designation is a standard bearing number found in all kinds of small assembly's and is the same dimensions across the board. You may find it listed as an R4-EE as well and that is the same thing. 2RS and EE both designate a double sealed bearing and is manufacturer dependent but are equally the same. In fact your bearing person will likely verify if you want a double seal or you could tell them you want a double seal to make sure.

Super helpful, thank you!

 

[krisn416]

Ok last question. Should I go the NSK route https://www.lilybearingonline.com/products/r4bdd or BOCA ceramic route https://www.bocabearings.com/products/sr4c-yuu-th9-c3-bk-5-nb2-16037 ? Big price between them and one is ABEC 1 and the other ABEC 5. Buy once cry once, or call it good with the cheaper option?

 

[BBob]

You're looking at a tolerance difference of 0.000157" (4 microns) from ABEC 5 to ABEC 1. I'd be fine with the NSK myself. I don't see the need for a high speed spindle type bearing for this application. If you got anything extra out of them I wouldn't think it'd be much but I wouldn't really know unless I tried.

But I see they want more $$$ for the NSK which is the ABEC 1 bearing. BOCA? I know nothing about them.

McMaster wants $7.72 for them right now. As I said previously they shipped Koyo on my last order. You can call them and ask what they would currently ship.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[krisn416]

You're looking at a tolerance difference of 0.000157" (4 microns) from ABEC 5 to ABEC 1. I'd be fine with the NSK myself. I don't see the need for a high speed spindle type bearing for this application. If you got anything extra out of them I wouldn't think it'd be much but I wouldn't really know unless I tried.

But I see they want more $$$ for the NSK which is the ABEC 1 bearing. BOCA? Know nothing about them.

Ok thanks, I know nothing about any of them so going solely off your guidance and what I can find and confirm is Japanese made online lol. I appreciate it!

 

[BBob]

Ok thanks, I know nothing about any of them so going solely off your guidance and what I can find and confirm is Japanese made online lol. I appreciate it!

Those NSK's you found are overpriced.

 

[krisn416]

Those NSK's you found are overpriced.

How about these https://www.vxb.com/R4-2RS-Nachi-Bearing-Sealed-Japan-1-4-x5-8-x0-196-p/kit13696.htm ? The thing that’s hard, even the “Japanese” manufacturers have plants in China making them. I found a good deal on a set of SNR brand for $25 but they’re made in France I guess. At this price point it’s really not much difference cost-wise, I just want to get some good quality ones and only do the work once.

I could either find a better deal on the NSK, get the Nachi, or get the SNR. That’s about all I can find and confirm the brand and country of manufacture on. Although NSK if I remember had something about Chinese plants.

 

[krisn416]

I ended up ordering the Nachis: https://www.vxb.com/R4-2RS-Nachi-Bearing-Sealed-Japan-1-4-x5-8-x0-196-p/kit13696.htm

 

[Racinray]

I’ve had 2 sets of cams replace by Lancaster Archery after the bearings went bad on my VXR28. Their tech replaced it so it’s either 1) a problem with cheap bearings, or 2) trained techs don’t know how to install the cams. Personally I think it’s cheap bearings, each set lasted about 7000 shots (6 months worth of shooting). I think next time I’ll just replace the bearings instead of having the bow down for 10 days.

Have 4 VXB bearings just in case
Just put a new cam in my VXR week for SRS bearing play. Found 1 axel bearing was shot.

 

[Racinray]

Sorry meant AVS bearing.

 

[kevf]

Hi also had a cam bearing issue with my Mathews VXR 31.5. Of on the bearing got unsealed, and therefore unable to be removed the simple way, i.e. by popping it from the inside out.

Here is a few pictures of hiw I removed the broken bearing from the cam, in case that can help someone else. After inserting the concrete expansion anchor, I threaded a 1/4" screw and popped it from the other side with a standard punch.

 

[sivart]

https://www.vxb.com/R4-2RS-1-4-x5-8-x0-196-inch-Sealed-p/kit7949.htm

So these bearings are high quality than the stock? I have an older Vertix that I need to replace them