If you’ve done any research on ceramic hybrid bearings, you’ve probably already been convinced that they are superior in almost every way to traditional steel bearings. They last longer, they allow engines to operate more efficiently, and they are electrically non-conductive. If you haven’t looked into them yet, perhaps you should!
Ceramic hybrid bearings have also come down a lot in price in recent years, so if you’ve looked into them in the past and determined they were too expensive, you might want to look again! There are multiple companies from which you can purchase ceramic hybrid ball bearings—ranging from large bearing companies to smaller, specialty bearing companies—and somewhat surprisingly, some of the best prices can come from the smaller bearing companies.
One of those boutique bearing companies is CBR Bearings, headquartered in Southern California. CBR has been selling ceramic hybrid bearings for almost 20 years now. The company specializes in bearings for industrial electric motors, but also sells bearings for performance applications.
Since the company is small compared to some of the industry giants, not everyone has heard of CBR, but those who have dealt with them know the advantages of purchasing bearings from the company.
Highest Quality Bearings on the Market
Not all bearings are created equal—especially when it comes to ceramic hybrid ball bearings. The ceramic used in the ceramic balls needs to be high-quality, or they can chip, fracture, or cause the bearing to fail. This can lead to disastrous results.
At CBR, they only use high-quality, aerospace-grade ceramic in their ball bearings. They are virtually indestructible. How hard are they? CBR owner Charlie Rowlett explains, “When we demonstrate the durability of one of our ceramic balls, we place it on a plate of steel and hit it with a sledgehammer. Not only does it not break it—it doesn’t even scratch! And furthermore, it leaves a dimple in both the hammer and the plate of steel!”
CBR’s bearings are also built to the highest standards. They use high-quality bearing rings. They ensure the radial play to a tenth of a thousandth of an inch, and they micro-polish the raceways. Every dynamic surface is completely lubricated.
The overall quality of CBR’s ceramic hybrid bearings is difficult, if not impossible, to find in the mass-produced bearings on the market.
Fast Turnaround Times
If you need a specialty bearing, you can often be quoted delivery times that are more than a month out! Most people can’t wait that long, since it means their valuable equipment is inoperable during that time.
When you order bearings from CBR, wait times are much shorter. CBR keeps many bearings in stock—even large bearings—ready to ship out on the day they’re ordered. For bearings that need to be custom made, the turnaround time at CBR is typically only a couple of weeks, rather than a couple of months, like it can be when you order from the larger bearing companies.
Great Customer Service
CBR is also known for its excellent customer service. When you call to place an order or inquire about their products, you get one of their knowledgeable and helpful representatives on the phone. You may even speak to the company’s owner! Whoever you talk with, they will make sure you get exactly what you need.
