Product Bulletin No.

: 15-03-02-MP
Rev 02
P-Series Mud Pumps
Date: April 13, 2015

Subject: Connecting Rod Bearing Inner Race Movement

Product: 12-P-160 and 14-P-220 Mud Pumps

Affected
Assemblies: All 14-P-220 and 12-P-160 Mud Pumps

Objective: To make owners aware of observations that have been reported from the field
and provide inspection recommendations.

Issue: National Oilwell Varco has been made aware of several instances where the
connecting rod (or “eccentric”) bearing inner race has been observed to move
on the bearing journal. This movement generates witness marks on the
bearing race in the location of the inner race guides, see Figure 1.

Solution: Movement or “creep” of the connecting rod bearing inner race on the journal
does not constitute a failure. Bearing inner race movement is not
unprecedented for this type of bearing. This bearing race movement that has
been observed in this application has been analyzed, discussed with the
bearing supplier and found to be acceptable so long as there are no signs of
excessive movement. Excessive movement is defined as rotation of the
bearing that has resulted in significant wear on the guides, see Figure 2.
Contact your local NOV aftermarket representative in the event that significant
guide wear is observed.

© 2015 National Oilwell Varco 15-03-02-MP

Rev 02
Page 1 of 3
 Witness mark indicating movement

Figure 1. Witness Marks (Acceptable)

Significant
Guide wear

Figure 2. Guide Wear (Not Acceptable)

© 2015 National Oilwell Varco 15-03-02-MP

Rev 02
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Operators should also refer to previous NOV Product Information Bulletins and Safety Alerts
by signing in to the Product Bulletin Search, available below ‘Application Groups’ at
https://portal.mynov.com/ once logged in. For information on registering, please visit
https://www.nov.com/Search/register.aspx.

Failure to follow the recommendations and/or guidance in NOV Manuals or Product

Bulletins may result in death, bodily injury or property damage.

Please contact your local National Oilwell Varco (NOV) Service Center if you have any
questions regarding this bulletin.

© 2015 National Oilwell Varco 15-03-02-MP

Rev 02
Page 3 of 3