egp320i

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/30890/newproject.jpg"></center><p>I notice one thing, even the meyle upper strut bearings they are not sealed underneath, so it makes me wonder why these things fail so quickly. why would they not seal the bearing? even if there is some type of washer that goes underneath to shield the bearing its still bound to get moisture, dirt and crap in it.

MikTip

So you and I return again &amp; again for replacement parts! ;O)

egp320i

like on bikes or anything thats going to allow the elements to break down a bearing, sealed the grease stays in, bearing stays good and you can save yourself time and $$
I thought MAYBE the meyle HD usb would be sealed, nope.

MikTip

Namely the Auto manufacturer, tells the bearing maker, "We need a bearing to last 20,000 miles!" ;O)

The average driver only owns a car for 5 years.

Warrenties are usually only 6 years, 60,000 miles.

So why should they make a bearing last any longer?

Its not "econimical" for them or us! Imagine the cost of such a bearing? You would probably never buy one, because of the expense? ;O)

egp320i

so if your hardy bilsteins can last up to 160k, that means your going to be taking your strut assembly out about 8 times to replace the bearing. if you do not have the tools some shop will be doing this at $200-300 bucks a pop...looks like alot of expense for something that could be better.
if they can pass off the blue urq ones that are no better then the 9 buck meyle's but cost 50 bucks each, those ones should have a sealed bearing for the price.