Studebaker 3R17 Bearings
6 Bearings for Studebaker 3R17 from SKF and National Oil Seal. Pick your year to see exact fit.
What Are Automotive Bearings and Why Do They Matter?
Bearings are among the most fundamental components in any vehicle — small but mighty assemblies that allow rotating parts to move with minimal friction and maximum efficiency. From the wheels that carry your vehicle's weight mile after mile, to the drive shaft, axle differentials, and pinion races buried deep in the drivetrain, bearings are what keep metal spinning smoothly against metal without generating destructive heat or wear. When a bearing begins to fail, the consequences range from an annoying hum or vibration to a complete loss of vehicle control. Keeping bearings in good shape is not optional — it's a cornerstone of vehicle safety and longevity.
Types of Automotive Bearings
The term "bearings" covers a wide family of components, each engineered for a specific job. Wheel bearing assemblies are among the most commonly replaced, integrating the bearing, hub, and sometimes the ABS sensor into a single ready-to-install unit. Wheel bearings — sold as standalone components — handle the radial and axial loads generated at each corner of the vehicle as it steers, brakes, and accelerates. Further down the drivetrain, the drive shaft center support bearing keeps the driveshaft properly aligned on rear-wheel and four-wheel-drive vehicles, absorbing vibration that would otherwise transfer into the cabin. Deep in the axle housing, axle differential bearings support the rotation of the ring and pinion gears under the enormous torque loads of acceleration and towing. The differential pinion race — the outer ring that the tapered roller bearings ride against inside the differential — is equally critical to smooth, quiet, and efficient power transfer.
How to Know When a Bearing Needs Replacement
Bearing wear rarely happens overnight. The most common warning signs include a low, grinding hum that changes pitch with vehicle speed, a rumbling or growling noise that intensifies during cornering, looseness or play in the wheel when rocked side to side, or an ABS warning light triggered by a damaged wheel speed encoder ring integrated into the hub. A general rule of thumb is that quality wheel bearings are engineered to last between 85,000 and 100,000 miles, though aggressive driving, off-road use, and water intrusion can shorten that service life considerably.
Top Bearing Brands
SKF is widely recognized as one of the world's premier bearing manufacturers. Founded in Sweden in 1907 — the same year Sven Wingquist patented the self-aligning double-row ball bearing — SKF has spent more than a century refining bearing technology across automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications. SKF holds numerous patents and has introduced innovations such as advanced lubrication solutions and condition monitoring systems that have become industry standards.
Timken Bearings brings an equally storied heritage to the table. Henry Timken patented the tapered roller bearing in 1898, a design that dramatically improved the ability of axle bearings to handle heavy radial and axial loads simultaneously. Today, Timken is the world's largest manufacturer of tapered roller bearings, and their automotive lineup remains a benchmark for precision and durability.
Moog Chassis Parts has built its reputation over more than a century as the chassis industry's go-to problem solver. Moog's bearing and hub assemblies are designed with enhanced sealing and simplified installation in mind, making them a favorite among professional technicians and serious DIYers alike.
ACDelco is General Motors' original-equipment and aftermarket parts brand, and their wheel bearing and hub assemblies are a natural fit for Chevrolet, GMC, Buick, and Cadillac vehicles. ACDelco bearings are engineered to OE specifications, offering a fit and feel that closely mirrors what came on the vehicle from the factory.
GSP North America rounds out the top tier with a focused portfolio of wheel bearing and hub assemblies designed to deliver reliable, cost-effective performance across a broad range of domestic and import applications, making them a solid choice for high-volume repair shops and value-conscious owners alike.