mostlystock

Sounds like the answer should be yet... but I need a sanity check.

Will a more massive tire put a higher load on wheel bearings? Or does it depend more on the sprung weight? Or both?

Brashanic

i think both. but i think a taller tire defiantly has more leverage to apply additional sprung weight directly to the bearings.

it's for sure an engineering question for an exact answer

rmdchewie

I've been down this road in great detail with a friend of mine that is an engineer for Lockheed Martin. Wheel/Tire mass does effect the wheel bearings but nowhere near that of added sprung weight (ie: bumpers, winch, armor and such)
BTW Wheels and tires are unsprung weight.

mdnky

Any time you add weight and mass, you're going to cause greater wear on certain items. The amount is dependent on a lot of factors, including amount, how you drive, etc.