BEARINGS

Bearings For Peterbilt Trucks

Bearings are critical components throughout a Peterbilt truck, appearing in wheel ends, transmissions, differentials, driveshafts, and engine accessories. Using the correct bearing — properly rated for load, speed, and operating temperature — directly affects safety, fuel economy, and component longevity. We carry a full range of tapered roller bearings, ball bearings, and bearing kits sized and rated for Class 8 Peterbilt applications, from drive axle wheel ends to front steer axle hubs.

Frequently asked questions about bearings

How do I know when a wheel bearing needs replacement?

Common signs of a failing wheel bearing on a Peterbilt include a humming or grinding noise that changes with vehicle speed, abnormal tire wear, excessive wheel play when the tire is rocked side to side, or heat buildup at the wheel end during operation. On pre-trip inspections, any looseness or roughness when rotating a wheel by hand warrants closer inspection. Left unaddressed, a failed wheel bearing can lead to wheel separation — a serious safety and FMCSA compliance issue.

What is the difference between preset and adjust-in-the-field bearings?

Preset bearing systems, such as ConMet PreSet hubs, come from the manufacturer with the bearing adjustment already set to the correct preload, eliminating the need for in-field adjustment during installation. Traditional bearings require careful adjustment using a torque-and-back-off procedure to achieve the correct end play per CVSA and TMC RP 618 guidelines. Preset systems reduce installation variability and are increasingly common on newer Peterbilt models, while adjust-in-the-field bearings remain standard on older axle configurations and trailer applications.

Can I replace just one wheel bearing, or should I do both sides at the same time?

Best practice is to replace bearings in pairs — both wheel ends on the same axle — whenever a bearing failure or significant wear is detected. Bearings on the same axle accumulate identical mileage and operating stress, so if one has reached the end of its service life, the other is likely close behind. Replacing both sides at the same time minimizes downtime, reduces labor cost over the long run, and ensures balanced wheel end performance across the axle.

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