1/25/2021 Main Bearings Failure Analysis | Highway & Heavy Parts

MAIN BEARINGS FAILURE ANALYSIS 



NEW PRODUCT

SEARCH!
 So you're having a problem with the bearings in your diesel engine. But just what
is causing this problem? Properly diagnosing the issue can help prevent it from
becoming a recurring problem, so it's important to understand the full extent of the
failure. 
 
This failure analysis can help you better understand what is causing the failure in
your main bearing. Read on to see if you're having one of these problems.
 
Don't think it's your main bearings? Check out our rod bearing failure analysis!
 
Need new components for your diesel engine? Our ASE Certified Technicians can
ensure you're getting the right parts for your engine application!

Give Us A Call!

 
BEARING FAILURES CAUSED BY LACK OF
PROPER LUBRICATION
The picture below shows what happens when bearing fail from improper
lubrication. Notice the extremely polished condition of the bearings with the worst
streaking toward the center of the bearing. This is an indicator of oil starvation,
possibly from a dry start up or low oil. 
 

https://highwayandheavyparts.com/n-12631-main-bearings-failure-analysis.html 1/5
1/25/2021 Main Bearings Failure Analysis | Highway & Heavy Parts

The following picture shows all of the main bearings laid out in the order they were 

removed. The red arrows point to bearings that experienced a catastrophic failure.
The blue arrows show the number seven bearing  set startingNEW
PRODUCT
to fail. Note all the
SEARCH!
bearings show shiny rub spots that are a further indication of lack of lubrication.

Improper lubrication can cause failure in other parts of your engine as well. Read
our article to see how a lack of lubrication can cause turbo failure in your diesel
engine. 

EXAMPLES OF BEARING FAILURES

There are many other diesel engine problems that can cause failure in your
bearings. Check out the pictures below to see what might be giving you trouble.
The picture below shows a wear pattern caused by an uneven and rough cam
bearing bore in the block. 

https://highwayandheavyparts.com/n-12631-main-bearings-failure-analysis.html 2/5
1/25/2021 Main Bearings Failure Analysis | Highway & Heavy Parts




 NEW PRODUCT
SEARCH!

In the image below, you can see that foreign material was trapped between the
main bearing and the block.

The next picture provides an example of uneven wear caused by bore distortion:

Below is a picture of uneven wear caused by a bent connecting rod:

 

https://highwayandheavyparts.com/n-12631-main-bearings-failure-analysis.html 3/5
1/25/2021 Main Bearings Failure Analysis | Highway & Heavy Parts




 NEW PRODUCT
SEARCH!

 
Next, we see uneven wear caused by severely worn crankshaft rod journals:

Additionally, you can have a bearing fail from improper assembly. Below is an
example of a bearing failure caused by assembly error; the oil feed hole in the
connecting rod was not lined up with the bearing lubrication hole.

https://highwayandheavyparts.com/n-12631-main-bearings-failure-analysis.html 4/5
1/25/2021 Main Bearings Failure Analysis | Highway & Heavy Parts




 NEW PRODUCT
SEARCH!

As you can see, diesel engine bearing failure can be caused by many different
issues. Several of them can be due to a failure in a separate component. That's
why it's so important to identify the cause of the failure. 
 
If you have a problem with your diesel engine bearings or components, let
Highway & Heavy Parts help! We have ASE Certified Technicians on staff
ready to find you the parts you need. Call them at 844-304-7688, or request a
quote online!
Originally Posted November 18, 2015; Edited March 30, 2020

RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE OFFERS! STAY IN TOUCH

email address
    
SUBSCRIBE

https://highwayandheavyparts.com/n-12631-main-bearings-failure-analysis.html 5/5