SKF AB (Sweden; Stockholm: SKFB; 5251R9N7) said it has won the contract to supply Chrysler LLC with front wheel bearing hub assembly units for the Dodge Ram full size and chassis cab truck platforms.

The third-generation hub units use orbital forming to lock the bearing preload; among other advantages, this allows the same hub unit to be used for both 4x2 and 4x4 applications. They are also the largest bearings SKF has ever produced for the North American market.

Applications being covered are the Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 / 4500 /5500 series trucks.

SKF said the hub units not only offer ease of assembly and integrate the ABS sensors, but also maintain runout at just 10 microns. The low runout offers better stability and better brake performance, as the pads will stay parked closer to the rotors.

Gregg Rasmussen, VP of SKF's North American Car Business, said: "These large trucks need the benefits of superior performance and handling, and our new wheel bearings provide that."

Last year, SKF introduced a similar orbitally formed hub unit for 2001-2007 4x2 GMC 1500 / 2500 / 3500 series 4x2 trucks; the BR930626 is also used for both 4x2 and 4x2 front hub bearing applications.