What is a Connecting Rod Bearing?

[OLogan]

Connecting rod bearings are paired with crank pins to reduce wear on the crank pins. In crosshead-type connecting rods, the big end bearing is often made separately and then securely attached to the rod body using connecting rod bolts. A friction-reducing alloy is typically cast directly onto the inner surface of the bearing. For non-crosshead-type connecting rods, the upper half of the big end bearing is usually integrated with the rod body, while the lower half (bearing cap) is manufactured separately and then bolted to the upper half using connecting rod bolts. Both the upper and lower halves of the bearing are lined with bearing shells. Some connecting rod bearings feature oil holes drilled into the inner surface of the bushing, and some may also have oil grooves to facilitate lubrication. Self-aligning or platform-type small end bearings are commonly used.