How to Determine Engine Bearing Failure?
2 Answers
Identifying symptoms of engine bearing failure: 1. Severe lack of lubrication oil during engine operation; 2. Deteriorated engine oil fails to provide lubrication; 3. Low or no oil pressure while the engine continues to run; 4. Presence of bearing alloy fragments in the engine crankcase oil; 5. Abnormal noises during engine operation. Types of engines include: 1. Gasoline engines and diesel engines; 2. Water-cooled engines and air-cooled engines; 3. Single-cylinder engines and multi-cylinder engines; 4. In-line engines and V-type engines; 5. Naturally aspirated engines, turbocharged engines, and supercharged engines.
As an enthusiast who frequently tinkers with older cars, I believe there are several obvious signs to determine if the engine has bearing failure. When the engine experiences bearing seizure, there will be rhythmic knocking or grinding noises, sounding like metal rubbing against metal, especially noticeable when you press the accelerator or climb hills under heavy load. These sounds typically originate from the lower part of the engine, and if you use a screwdriver or a simple stethoscope to listen closely, you can pinpoint the location more accurately. Another important indicator is the oil pressure warning light illuminating; because the failed bearing destroys the oil film, the drop in oil pressure directly alerts you. Don’t ignore minor abnormal noises—early detection can prevent more severe damage, such as engine overheating and seizing, leading to major repairs. I’ve experienced this before—delaying repairs doubled the cost, so now whenever I hear unusual sounds, I immediately check oil pressure and oil quality to ensure proper lubrication. Regular maintenance, including oil and filter changes, is also crucial—prevention is always cheaper than repair.
