Bearing defect? No problem for the specialist
July 26, 2021
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Bearings are an essential part of the engine and reduce friction between two parts, allowing parts to move with low resistance to each other. Properly functioning bearings are a priority in an engine block, but how can you recognise a defective bearing? How can you repair or replace the damage? And what can you do to prevent bearing defects in the future? The Wilmink Engine Parts specialists together with KING Engine Bearings have listed a few bearing defects for you.
Material fatigue
Material fatigue can be recognised by different characteristics depending on the type of bearing defect. The following table shows some examples of material fatigue and its appearance.
| What does the bearing look like? | Defect |
| Cracks, craters and a worn-out bearing surface due to loss of the aluminium lining material. | Material fatigue of the aluminium liner |
| Irregular cobweb-like cracks and craters in the top layer. Fatigue can lead to partial flaking of the top layer followed by fatigue of the copper and lead intermediate layer. | Fatigue of the Babbitt top layer |
| Babbitt surface is missing and interlayer is cracked and contains craters. Parts detach from the steel backing and cause a serious bearing defect. | Material fatigue of bronze interlayer |
| Appearance does not correspond to the above-mentioned characteristics | Click here for the King Engine Bearings flyer for more defects or contact our specialist for personal advice via sales@wilminkgroup.com |
In the case of the defects listed in the table, it is advisable to check the clearances, the rotating part of the engine and, if necessary, reduce the ignition timing (or use a fuel with a higher octane rating). We also recommend choosing a different bearing material with a higher load capacity and repairing or replacing further damaged parts. For correct and fitting advice we recommend that you contact our specialists.
Wear
How can you recognise this wear damage? In addition to the types of wear, the severity of the wear is also a factor to consider. The cause and impact of the wear are therefore often easy to recognise from the outside.
| What does the bearing look like? | Defect |
| Glossy surface | Wear from age |
| Characteristics of overheating (black colour), partially melted/broken (top layer) | Heavy surface wear |
| Broken surface, extreme overheating, melted/missing bearing layers | Severe surface wear |
| Excessive wear is present along the bearing edge with possible fatigue cracking in the damage area. | Edge wear due to deformed connecting rod |
| Appearance does not correspond to the above-mentioned characteristics | Click here for the King Engine Bearings flyer for more defects or contact our specialist for personal advice via sales@wilminkgroup.com |
KING Engine Bearings has listed some solutions for these wear problems for you. In the event of damage to the surface of your bearing, it is a good idea to check the oil supply system to prevent dilution or contamination of the oil. We would also recommend changing the oil more often or changing the filter. We also recommend that you check your type of bearing carefully, as wear may be due to the type of material or grinding or polishing procedures for example.
In case of edge wear due to a deformed connecting rod, it is recommended to replace the deformed parts and prevent denotation (due to pre-ignition or fuel quality) of the engine. The cooling system also plays a major role, so a check of the cooling system is necessary. When replacing the connecting rods it is important that they have the right specifications such as the right fit. Our specialists will be happy to help you find the right connecting rod for your vehicle.
Advice from the specialist
When buying bearings it is very important to consider the load, the material and the wear resistance in order to avoid defects. King Engine Bearings, one of our brands, specialises in the field of bearings and offers options with different coatings, different materials and for various applications such as cars, trucks, marine, aviation and performance.
Click here for more information about materials
The various causes of defects show that, in addition to the bearing, other engine components can also suffer from a bearing defect. Maintenance is one important precaution, such as checking the oil or changing the air filter to prevent damage. But the parts themselves are also important to maintain and replace in good time, such as the crankshaft and connecting rod, for which you can also come to Wilmink Engine Parts.
The specialists at Wilmink Engine Parts will gladly help you find new parts that fit your engine type, wishes and application in order to prevent bearing defects. We will also gladly advise you on the suitable type of bearing and other engine parts to avoid these kinds of problems. Do you have a specific problem with bearings? Call or mail us for personal and appropriate advice.