Rod End Bearings - Aurora vs. Heim

What is the general opinion on replacement rod end bearings.....go with the Van's supplied Aurora brand, or spend the extra bucks on a better quality rod end?

Aurora - GMW-3M-470 - $15.70
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/aurorabearfem.php

Heim - F34-14M - $34.50
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/heimFMseries.php

Save your AMUs!

Aurora parts are good stuff. If you want, you can add some AMSOIL grease to the ball area before installing - that will stay around a long time.

That being said, I have seen 75yr old Heim rod ends still working fine (used to work on WW2 stuff)....but the constant 'oil bath' they get from the engines probably helps.

F1Boss said:

...you can add some AMSOIL grease to the ball area before installing...

Click to expand...

Great tip to keep them lubricated. However, the replacement reason I'm asking about isn't due to the ball being tight or locking up, it's due to growing slop or play in the bearing over time.

Input from a builder of a different aircraft type... Glasair supplies only the Aurora parts with their kits. Several builders have commented on the need to replace these rod ends with higher quality Heim units because the ball end has become stiff or seized. Of particular concern are the rod ends in the engine compartment where the Aurora's may not hold up so well.

Still, at twice the price, one has to ask how much more life the Heim products would provide. Is it really double or more? Don't know the answer to that one.