SKF TraX wheel end monitoring system: helping fleets stay ahead of wheel bearing failures

For fleets and drivers, preventing unexpected wheel end failures is critical to ensuring safety, reducing downtime and avoiding costly repairs. That's where the SKF TraX Wheel End Monitoring System comes in - a proven solution designed to detect potential wheel bearing problems before they become serious failures.

The TraX system continuously monitors wheel end health by detecting vibration caused by raceway spalling in its earliest stages. When a problem is detected, the system alerts the operator directly via the vehicle's telematics dashboard or via a flashing pattern on the device itself.

This proactive approach helps fleets address wheel bearing issues before they result in dangerous wheel-offs or thermal events, improving both safety and operational efficiency. Easy to install on the outside of most truck and trailer rims, the SKF TraX system is a smart investment for any fleet looking to adopt more predictive maintenance practices. 

Wide ranging cost and safety benefits 

The SKF TraX Wheel End Monitor system helps reduce costs by allowing fleets and owner-operators to avoid unplanned downtime. In addition, costly proactive bearing replacements are made unnecessary, as the system will detect when the bearings actually need replacement. The system increases operational safety by dramatically reducing the risk of catastrophic bearing failures that can lead to wheel separations or fires. 

Advance warning at the first sign of danger 

The TraX system sensors are highly sensitive, so when spalling is first detected, there is still a safe amount of time to schedule service. Spalling refers to the pitting or flaking away of bearing material. This early sign of future failure creates abnormal vibrations that the TraX sensor is able to detect at the earliest stages. A temperature alarm is set to prevent thermal events or abnormal temperature deviations.   

Easy adaptation, phone app driven 

The SKF TraX Wheel End Monitor is easily fitted to any two adjacent studs on most standard 10 stud wheels. Once installed, the TraX sensors are activated with a hand-held magnet and then paired with a phone app. The operator can then check on the tractor and trailers’ bearings status at any time, and the app will send a warning the moment spalling is detected. The TraX system can also be paired with many fleet telematics systems.  

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Customer proven 

Maverick Transportation, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas was an early adopter of the SKF TraX system. With approximately 2,400 flatbed trailers and other specialty units, the fleet provided an excellent test of the system in real-world conditions. “Wheel separation is a catastrophic failure that sends a wheel assembly rolling down a highway—and it’s incredibly dangerous,” said Mike Jeffress, Vice President of Maintenance, Maverick Transportation. “With TraX, we caught failing wheel bearings way ahead of actual failure—and that’s a significant cost savings and a real edge for our fleet’s safety.”  

Setting up significant safety gains 

According to the American Truckers Association Technology & Maintenance Council an estimated 750-1,050 wheel separations occur per year. SKF engineers believe that adaptation of the TraX Wheel End Monitor system could reduce many, if not most of these incidents.