What are the causes of bearing seizure?
3 Answers
The causes of bearing seizure include: poor quality engine oil with insufficient load-bearing capacity and high-temperature resistance; incorrect installation torque for the main bearing, being too tight; excessive or insufficient main bearing clearance; malfunction or insufficient flow of the oil pump. Engine oil introduction: 5W represents cold temperature resistance down to -30 degrees Celsius (calculated as 5-35=-30. For example, 0W40 would be 0-35=-35 degrees Celsius). The number 40 represents high-temperature viscosity, which determines the strength of the oil film and the thickness of the lubricating oil. Engine oil selection method: According to China's climate conditions, all-season engine oil can be chosen for most regions, suitable for both winter and summer. The grades for all-season oils include: 5W/20, 5W/30, 5W/40, 5W/50, etc. The smaller the number representing the winter part, and the larger the number representing the summer part, the higher the viscosity and the wider the applicable temperature range.
Engine bearing seizure is a common issue in my auto repair experience, primarily caused by insufficient lubrication. Lack of engine oil or use of inferior oil increases friction between bearings and shafts, leading to wear. Oil pump failure or filter clogging can also reduce oil pressure and trigger problems. Another critical factor is engine overload; prolonged high-speed driving or heavy towing can cause thermal accumulation that breaks down the oil film. Prevention is straightforward: regularly check oil levels, change oil every 5,000 kilometers, and maintain proper engine temperature. I also recommend installing an oil pressure alarm to detect potential issues early. Never overlook routine maintenance—a single oversight can destroy the entire engine, and repair costs are far from cheap.
As an automotive enthusiast, I've studied bearing failures; lubrication failure is one of the key causes. Insufficient oil quantity or excessive impurities can prevent the formation of a protective film on bearings, leading to frictional damage. Under high engine load conditions, such as continuous high-speed driving or rapid acceleration, rising oil temperatures exacerbate the problem. Choosing high-quality synthetic oil can extend lifespan; optimizing the cooling system is also worth attention. For prevention, I recommend checking oil pressure readings before each drive to develop good habits. This not only protects the engine but also enhances driving pleasure; after all, only a healthy engine can deliver the thrill of high-speed driving.
