SKF makes bearings (good bearings, actually!), not rubber.... and the rubber is what it's all about here, since rubber is what holds the bearing (and the front suspension, basically) to the car. When the rubber cracks, life sucks all over again... and with aftermarket parts in this case, life will suck a lot sooner than you want.

When I was making this same decision, it came down to this: $50 for not-good (SKF, last a couple years at most) and $71 for the best (genuine Volvo, last 20 years). The $20 difference per side was a no brainer for me.

Just go with official Volvo parts here, or else you get to do this job twice, and for twice as much money. Plus, the Volvo parts will come in a blue box, which always cheers me up a little. :-)

-Ryan

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Athens, Ohio
1987 245 DL 314k, Dog-mobile
1990 245 DL 134k M47, E-codes, GT Sway Bars, GT Braces, Draco Wheels
1991 745 GL 300k, Regina, 23/21mm Turbo Sway Bars