Yes, oversized tires can cause Jeep wheel bearing problems. Bigger tires are heavier, often mounted on heavier wheels with more offset, and act like a longer lever against the bearing. Together, these changes put significantly more stress on the bearing than it was designed for, wearing it out sooner.
A stock Jeep tire might weigh around 40 pounds, while a large off-road tire can weigh close to double that. That extra weight doesn't just add a little strain, since the spinning forces on a bearing increase much faster than the weight itself does. A heavier tire spinning at highway speed puts noticeably more load on the bearing with every rotation, mile after mile.
Oversize tires are also usually mounted on wheels with greater offset so they clear the fenders and suspension, which shifts the tire's weight farther from the hub center. That shift acts like a longer lever arm, and a longer lever with more weight behind it multiplies the stress placed on the bearing every time you turn, hit a bump, or drive in a straight line. Aggressive off-road tread patterns add to this by creating more resistance and vibration than standard tires, which contributes to wear over time.
Signs that this extra stress is catching up with your bearings look the same as with any worn bearing: a clicking sound when you make a sharp turn, a low rumble that builds with speed, or a slight pull to one side. If you've lifted your Jeep and gone up in tire size, it's worth paying closer attention to these early signs rather than waiting for a loud grinding noise, since bigger tires can accelerate wear noticeably compared to stock sizing.
None of this means you can't run bigger tires on your Jeep, but it does mean the bearings deserve more frequent attention if you have. If you've upgraded to larger tires and want to know how your Jeep's bearings and hubs are holding up, Hoover Street Auto Repair in Ann Arbor can inspect them and let you know if the added size and weight have started to take a toll.