What are the symptoms of engine bearing seizure?
2 Answers
Engine bearing seizure symptoms: Severe lack of lubrication oil during engine operation; Degraded engine oil failing to provide lubrication; Low or no oil pressure while the engine continues running; Presence of bearing alloy fragments in the engine oil within the crankshaft case; Abnormal noises during engine operation; Prolonged high-speed and high-load conditions worsening bearing lubrication, potentially leading to burnout. Methods to diagnose engine bearing seizure: 1. Sudden crankshaft lock-up during operation due to oil starvation or absence directly indicates bearing seizure. 2. Abnormal noises: With oil present, prolonged operation causes bearing material detachment - the engine continues running but produces distinct knocking sounds (taktaktak) that intensify with throttle input, following oil pressure variations.
Engine bearing failure, commonly known as 'pulling the bearing,' is essentially a symptom of damaged crankshaft bearings in the engine. The most common signs I've noticed include a metallic 'clanking' or 'tapping' noise during engine operation, especially noticeable at idle or when accelerating. Additionally, the car's performance noticeably declines, with sluggish starts and difficulty climbing hills, as if being held back. The oil pressure warning light on the dashboard may illuminate, indicating lubrication issues. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to worsening noise, a sharp rise in engine temperature, and ultimately, engine seizure requiring major repairs or even engine replacement. I learned this the hard way with an old car—delaying an oil change led to bearing failure and costly repairs. Since then, I've become vigilant: at the first sign of unusual noise, I check the oil level or take the car to a professional immediately to avoid further damage.
