Bearing damageand failure analysis

How do I easily check the bearing clearance on the crankshaft and connecting rod? What is the maximum permitted bearing clearance? And what is the minimum bearing clearance? How are measuring strips used? When are oversize engine bearings used? This video makes everything clear.

Bearing service life based on subsurface initiated contact fatigue can be estimated using the operating loads and speeds. These estimates assume that ideal conditions exist i.e. the bearing has been mounted properly with adequate support, is properly lubricated, and there is no preexisting damage. A bearing may fail prematurely due to a variety of conditions including loading that is heavier than expected, inadequate lubrication, improper mounting (misalignment, unsuitable fits), contamination, surface damage from improper handling, and poor maintenance practices. Each of these adverse conditions will result in a unique type of damage to the bearing contacting surfaces. In most cases examination of the bearing and mating components will reveal indications of the underlying cause of the premature failure for which corrective action must be taken to improve bearing performance. Examples of bearing damage and the root cause of the damage is provided in the following sections.

Bearing damagetypes

American Roller Bearing Company primarily makes heavy duty industrial class bearings that are used in various industries in the US and around the world.

For over 100 years, we have been engineering, designing and building solutions that meet and exceed customer’s requirements for standard and specialty bearings.

Bearing damagesymptoms

A plastic gauge is a thin calibrated plastic strip. It can be used to check bearing clearance and also gap dimensions. It is used at points on connecting rod or crank bearings where a quick measurement with a micrometer is not possible.

American Roller Bearing Company primarily makes heavy duty industrial class bearings that are used in various industries in the US and around the world.

Preparations Once the bearing cap has been removed, clean the surface of the shaft and the bearing shell. A suitable plastic gauge strip is now attached at a right angle to the sliding surface of the shaft with a small amount of grease. To prevent the measuring strip adhering to the bearing surface, a small amount of silicone spray can be applied to the bearing surface. The bearing cap is then fitted as specified. Attention: Do not turn the crankshaft while doing this as otherwise the filament will smear and distort the measuring result.

How do I easily check the bearing clearance on the crankshaft and connecting rod? What is the maximum permitted bearing clearance? And what is the minimum bearing clearance? How are measuring strips used? When are oversize engine bearings used? This video makes everything clear.