SKF is the world’s largest independent bearing manufacturer, with a presence in more than 130 countries and 13,000 employees around the world. SKF has been producing bearings for over 125 years and is known for its high quality products.

Since counterfeit products can be found on many websites offering SKF products, it is important to know how to tell if you are buying a genuine SKF product or a counterfeit bearing.

The most obvious sign of a counterfeit bearing is that it will not have any serial numbers or markings on it. All genuine SKF bearings have serial numbers and markings on them so that they can be tracked through their life cycle as well as identify them if they become defective or damaged during use. If a bearing does not have any serial numbers or markings on it, then it is most likely not a genuine SKF product.

The second most common sign of an inferior counterfeit bearing is that the outer diameter will be slightly smaller than normal for that size bearing. This means that the inner race may not fit properly into its housing (if used in an assembly) or there may be interference between other parts within the assembly due to this small difference in sizes between what should be standard specifications

 Inspect the bearing’s box.

Counterfeiters often use inexpensive materials for packaging, so look for cheap cardboard boxes or plastic bags that don’t have any labeling or brand name on them.Look at the logo printed on the inner ring. The logo should be printed in gold ink on an aluminum ring inside the bearing. If it isn’t gold, then it’s not genuine SKF bearing.

Look at the markings on the outer ring. Genuine SKF bearings have clear and legible markings, which include a serial number and trademark symbol (®). The markings should also be printed in gold ink on an aluminum ring outside of the bearing inner ring. If they aren’t gold, then it’s not genuine SKF bearing.

Examine the size marking on the outer ring of your SKF bearing before purchasing it online or over-the-counter at local auto parts stores when buying new bearings as well as after installing them into your vehicle engine compartment or gearbox housing assembly areas where they are fitted.

Confirm that the product is authentic by checking the SKF logo or trademark.

The SKF logo can be found on many different types of bearing products including roller bearings and plain bearings.

Confirm that the product has been marked with an S prefix followed by a number indicating the series of bearing (e.g., S1618). A counterfeit bearing will not have this information stamped on it.

Contact an SKF support representative to verify that all markings include a corresponding serial number.

The bearing’s serial number should be stamped on the outer ring, under the grease seal or on the inner ring.

The outer ring is visible when you remove the hub cap, and the inner ring is visible after removing the inner race from its housing. The serial number may also be stamped on an inner or outer race, depending on the bearing type.

All SKF bearings are marked with their model numbers and other manufacturer-specific markings. These markings should be visible once you remove both races from their housings. If you need help identifying them, contact an SKF support representative for assistance.

Look for any misprints on packaging labels and bogus stickers.

The best way to determine whether or not a SKF bearing is counterfeit is to look at the packaging. If the SKF bearing packaging has been tampered with, then it is likely a counterfeit bearing.

If you want to know how to tell if SKF bearings are counterfeit, you should look for any misprints on packaging labels and bogus stickers. For example, if the SKF logo on a package is misspelled or spelled incorrectly, then it is probably a fake. Also, if there is an additional sticker stuck on top of the original one that says “SKF”, then it is probably not genuine.

Verify any online sellers associated with SKF products before purchasing a package.

SKF products are sold by authorized dealers only. When you buy SKF products online, it is essential to verify the seller and be sure that you are buying from an authorized dealer.

SKF’s business model is based on a strong network of manufacturers, distributors and dealers that sell SKF products through their own channels worldwide. SKF does not sell directly to end customers through its own direct sales channel or through any other third party.

The only way to ensure that you are buying genuine SKF products is to purchase them from an authorized SKF distributor or dealer. SKF does not authorize any third parties to sell its products directly to end customers online or through other means.

Make sure your bearings are really from SKF by inspecting them carefully and authenticating with SKF officials if necessary.

Make sure your bearings are really from SKF, inspect them carefully and authenticate with SKF officials if necessary.Inspect the packaging first. The packaging should have a hologram seal on it. If you can’t find it or it’s damaged, don’t buy the bearings!

Look at the outer diameter (OD) and inner diameter (ID) markings on each bearing. SKF uses a standard numbering system to indicate OD and ID sizes in millimeters (mm). For example, “120x38x23” indicates an OD of 120 mm, an ID of 38 mm and a thickness of 23 mm for this bearing type. This means that all 120x38x23-type bearings will have this same measurement when they’re manufactured using our standards regardless of where they’re made in the world or where they’re sold around the world.

Counterfeit bearings are being manufactured in large quantities and sold across the globe. They are not only bad quality but also cheap in price, which makes them luring to customrs.The above tips will help you to determine the original from the counterfeit product, but remember that it is not always possible to tell them apart just by appearance.