Why OEMs use substandard bearing in top end hubs and wheelset

[tomato]

For a different perspective -- I've got 4 sets of BlackInc wheels, and I've never had any problems with them.

[UpFromOne]

Even sophisticated milling equipment can suffer from worn cutters.
Thus the bore spec fed into the machine becomes effectively smaller, thus tighter bearing tolerances.
AI not yet able to constantly monitor, but it's getting there.

Not to say this is the case across the board, but production runs can get out of tolerance just as much as the old days.
Seems most hub shells are still cut with tool heads.

Also some bearing brands have less tolerance for microscopic changes in the bore spec.
It all seem so hit-or-miss with hub & bearing brand combinations.

[abatty]

I buy SKF bearings from these guys. Very efficient and now ship worldwide.

https://www.wychbearings.co.uk/

Also always wipe some marine grease across seals to provide additional weatherproofing.