{"id":43813,"date":"2025-12-22T14:46:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T19:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/?p=43813"},"modified":"2026-03-16T09:24:15","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T13:24:15","slug":"impact-of-oversized-tires-on-hubs-wheel-bearings-u-joints","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/blog\/impact-of-oversized-tires-on-hubs-wheel-bearings-u-joints\/","title":{"rendered":"The Impact Of Oversized Tires On Hubs, Wheel Bearings, And U-Joints"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Nowadays, more and more repair&nbsp;bays are filled with lifted, oversized rides, many of them off-road rigs getting prepped&nbsp;for the trails. And&nbsp;the majority of them will be running oversized tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p>Most service technicians&nbsp;know that the look&nbsp;comes with a cost. Bigger tires mean bigger stress.&nbsp;Sharing this knowledge with your customers can help them catch&nbsp;the weak links&nbsp;before they break, saving&nbsp;time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bigger, Higher Modern Vehicles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"698\" data-id=\"43814\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck1-1024x698.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43814\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck1-1024x698.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck1-450x307.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck1-768x524.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck1-1536x1048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck1-2048x1397.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck1-600x409.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"43815\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck2-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-43815\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck2-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck2-450x300.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck2-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck2-1536x1025.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck2-600x400.jpeg 600w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/lifted-truck2.jpeg 1880w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here&#8217;s the new reality: it\u2019s not just the heavily modified monster trucks that need to be monitored. The industry trend is for lifts and bigger&nbsp;tire recommendations&nbsp;straight from the factory.&nbsp;Some&nbsp;new trucks and SUVs are even rolling off the line with 33s or 35s, especially those with the high-end performance trim packages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means&nbsp;technicians are seeing off-road levels of stress on brand new, daily-driven vehicles. The problems that used to be limited to weekend warriors are now showing up on daily drivers. That makes&nbsp;thorough and careful inspections more critical than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Big Tires&nbsp;Wear Wheel Bearings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-9-16 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Are Big Tires Killing Your Truck?\" width=\"422\" height=\"750\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/PjVfGouxyAQ?feature=oembed&#038;modestbranding=1&#038;rel=0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A stock wheel bearing or hub assembly is engineered for a stock tire. The second that setup changes, the clock starts ticking. Factors impacted include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sheer Weight: It\u2019s not just the extra weight you can feel. A stock 31-inch all-terrain might be 40 lbs.&nbsp;Some 35-inch&nbsp;mud tires are easily 80 lbs. Double the weight doesn&#8217;t just double the force&nbsp;&#8211; it&#8217;s an exponential increase in the load that <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/wheel-bearing-and-hub-assembly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">wheel hub assembly<\/a> has to handle at 70 mph.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offset: To make those tires fit,&nbsp;many are running deep-dish wheels.&nbsp;The increased offset pushes the tire\u2019s centerline&nbsp;out&nbsp;making the load on the bearing no longer centered. It&#8217;s&nbsp;similar to carrying a heavy bucket with&nbsp;a&nbsp;fully extended arm. It adds a ton of leverage&nbsp;strain on the hub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tread &amp; Vibration: Large, aggressive tread blocks create a massive amount of resistance and vibration, putting extra wear and strain on the&nbsp;bearings and seals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a customer with a large tire setup, keep an ear out for complaints of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A clicking sound when they make sharp turns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A low-pitched rumbling or humming that gets louder with speed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A grinding sound when the car is moving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The truck pulling to one side.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">U-Joints: The&nbsp;Next Step In The&nbsp;Drivetrain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" data-id=\"30446\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/u-joint-repair.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/u-joint-repair.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/u-joint-repair-450x253.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/u-joint-repair-600x338.jpeg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"475\" height=\"297\" data-id=\"4965\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/u-joint.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/u-joint.jpg 475w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/u-joint-450x281.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>U-joints&nbsp;can be the next thing to go, and the reasons are just as straightforward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Driveline Angles: Stock U-joints are happy living at a 1 to 3-degree angle.&nbsp;A 3-inch lift kit&nbsp;can increase that operating angle up to 5, 6, or even more degrees. The u-joint will work at that angle, but it&#8217;s in a constant, high-speed bind.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased Torque: In 4-low, the transfer case is multiplying torque like crazy. The big, sticky mud tires are biting to avoid slippage, and the U-joint is the part caught in the middle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aggressive Treads:&nbsp;Again, most aggressive&nbsp;tires are designed to grab, not slip. Instant traction can be a sudden, massive shockload&nbsp;on the u-joint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&nbsp;suspect your&nbsp;customer has a <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/universal-joint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U-Joint<\/a> issue,&nbsp;listen&nbsp;for&nbsp;complaints of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A knocking or clunking sound when shifting from drive to reverse.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vibrations that rattle the whole vehicle (especially at higher speeds).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A chirping sound that follows wheel speed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Telltale fluid leaks at the differential or transfer case.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quality GMB Parts Are&nbsp;The Best Answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"404\" data-id=\"30653\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/dodge-replacement-wheel-hub.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-30653\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/dodge-replacement-wheel-hub.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/dodge-replacement-wheel-hub-450x364.jpeg 450w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" data-id=\"5196\" src=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ujoint.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ujoint.png 640w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ujoint-450x300.png 450w, https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/ujoint-600x400.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you spot a worn part on a vehicle with oversized tires, stress the importance of a quality replacement. We&#8217;ve&nbsp;been an industry-leading OE and Aftermarket automotive&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/products\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">product manufacturer<\/a>&nbsp;since 1943. Our high-quality&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/wheel-bearing-and-hub-assembly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hub Assemblies<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/universal-joint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U-Joints<\/a>, and other high-quality components have the features that matter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>GMB bearings are made of a high strength GCR15 steel, subjected to a proprietary process to achieve maximum hardness, and then finally treated with a G-10 finish.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/wheel-bearing-and-hub-assembly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wheel Bearing &amp; Hub Assemblies<\/a> contain specially formulated bearing grease&nbsp;for superior lubrication, enhanced thermal dissipation, water wash-out resistance, and better ability to lock in oils to keep the bearings rolling at optimal performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GMB uses a triple and quadruple lip sealing technology. This technique uses high temperature resistant rubber to achieve maximum bearing protection against dust, water and road debris.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GMB U-joints&nbsp;can withstand a higher tolerance of short and prolonged exposure to a wide range of oils, and chemicals, and the nitrile rubber can endure extreme temperatures from -40\u00b0F to +250\u00b0F.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rather than&nbsp;standard-grade 1020 steel, GMB&nbsp;u-joints use a high-grade Chrome-Molybdenum steel with superior strength, longer life expectancy, as well as additional corrosion protection.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Our <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/product-category\/universal-joint\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U-Joints<\/a> are coated in a proprietary protective formula which is baked on multiple layers of powder coating&nbsp;for superior rust resistance and a non-porous surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>GMB U-Joints are manufactured with high-grade solid steel tubular needle bearings that are heat-treated and designed to withstand extreme temperature changes, high pressure, and excessive torque.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We offer a <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/universal-joint-lookup-tool\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U-Joint Lookup Tool<\/a> to make it easy to find&nbsp;replacement parts fast. Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/products\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">full&nbsp;catalog<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/gmb.net\/contact\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact<\/a> our team for expert advice today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Nowadays, more and more repair&nbsp;bays are filled with lifted, oversized rides, many of them off-road rigs getting prepped&nbsp;for the trails. And&nbsp;the majority of them will be running oversized tires.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":43817,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","editor_notices":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[46,60,33],"tags":[47,90044],"class_list":["post-43813","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maintenance-tips","category-undercar","category-wheels-tires","tag-u-joints","tag-wheel-bearings-and-hub-assembly"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43813","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43813"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43813\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":43940,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43813\/revisions\/43940"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43817"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43813"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43813"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gmb.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43813"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}