Turbulence in journal bearing operation is examined and the thermal variability is studied for isothermal, convective and adiabatic conditions on the walls within some degree of journal misalignment. An efficient algorithm for the solution of the coupled turbulent Reynolds and energy equations is used to examine the effects of the various factors. The calculation data of turbulent analysis are compared with those of laminar analysis. Heat convection is found to play but a small role in determining friction and load. The friction distribution patterns through the journal bearing are now different with high values at the upstream region of the bearing due to the high speed and low temperature, and a sudden decrease past the pressure maximum.