SKF
SKF is a leading Swedish manufacturer of bearings and seals, founded in 1907 (118 years ago) by Sven Wingquist, the inventor of the world’s first self-aligning double-row ball bearing. In 1926 (99 years ago), SKF established a subsidiary company that produced 10 prototype vehicles under the name AB Volvo, which eventually became the origin of the Volvo car brand we know today.
SKF is one of the world’s largest producers and suppliers of bearings for industrial machinery and automotive applications. Its product portfolio includes seals, lubrication systems, maintenance products, mechatronics, power transmission components, condition monitoring systems, and a wide range of related services.
SKF’s global headquarters is located in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company operates 17 manufacturing plants across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, as well as 14 research and development centers worldwide. SKF continuously advances its expertise to develop premium-grade products, serving OEMs of leading global automotive manufacturers—including custom-designed bearings for electric vehicles (EVs).
For decades, SKF has been a trusted OE supplier to car manufacturers and racing teams worldwide. This legacy forms the foundation for delivering premium-quality products to the global automotive and commercial vehicle aftermarket. With over 20,000 product references, SKF offers unmatched quality and comprehensive system-repair solutions—so you can always find the parts you need without looking far.
At GP Autoparts, we currently offer SKF products in the automotive bearing category, covering both passenger cars and heavy-duty trucks and trailers.
Engine System
Auxiliary / Timing Belt Tensioner & Pulley
The belt tensioner is a high-precision device designed to automatically adjust belt tension to the optimal level by compensating for thermal expansion in the engine. It helps prevent belt tooth skipping and avoids excessive tension that could compromise performance or shorten belt lifespan.
Static offset enables initial tension setting during installation, while dynamic offset compensates for temperature fluctuations and belt elongation over time. An integrated spring maintains consistent belt tension while the engine is running. Additionally, the tensioner can be equipped with a hydraulic damper to further stabilize belt tension under varying conditions.
A heat-resistant seal (rated from -40°C to +150°C) protects the internal spring from contamination, reduces friction, and extends the component’s service life. The pulley’s optimized design and geometry minimize misalignment issues, ensuring smooth belt operation with reduced noise, vibration, and wear.
Shock Absorber System
Suspension Strut Support Mount
The SKF strut mount bearing functions as the upper pivot point of the steering system, enabling smooth and precise control when turning the wheels. Manufactured from high-grade materials and built to OE specifications, it ensures durability, perfect fitment, and long-lasting performance.
Suspension System
Wheel Bearing / Wheel Hub Bearing
SKF engineers have developed tapered roller bearings and wheel hub units in response to OE demands for high-performance wheel bearing assemblies that deliver precise handling and braking performance.
One of SKF’s standout innovations is the X-Tracker hub bearing, a double-row angular contact ball bearing engineered to provide accurate load support for smooth cornering. It features a patented glass fiber-reinforced polyamide cage that withstands high loads and temperatures. The bearing is precisely fused with premium-grade steel, ensuring extended service life and durability.
SKF’s advanced sealing design protects against contaminants, while the use of specially formulated SKF grease ensures low operational friction and long-lasting performance.
Transmission System
Clutch Release Bearing
The self-aligning design allows for smoother clutch engagement and disengagement, improving overall drivability. It features a lightweight structure, low friction, and is lubricated and sealed for life to ensure maintenance-free operation.
The superior rubber seal is highly resistant to heat and protects the internal grease from contaminants. The hardened high-chromium steel enables high load capacity, while the reinforced plastic cage with MoS₂ (Molybdenum Disulfide) provides added strength, low friction, and noise reduction.
Tested to meet strict OE specifications, this bearing guarantees maximum performance under extremely high temperatures and offers long service life in demanding driving conditions.
Other
Deep Groove Ball Bearing
Deep groove ball bearings are among the most widely used and versatile bearing types. They feature low friction and are optimized for low noise and low vibration, making them suitable for high-speed rotation. These bearings support radial and axial loads in both directions, are easy to install, and require less maintenance compared to other types of bearings.
We recommend SKF deep groove ball bearings, which are specially engineered for highly contaminated environments. These bearings are built for durability, offering enhanced protection against contaminants and extending the service life of machinery by up to three times compared to conventional equivalents.
