Signs of a Worn Out Engine Bearing

There are many factors that can lead to engine bearing failure, and once the bearings begin to fail--there are some tell tale symptoms you should be aware of. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of engine bearing failure, you should get your vehicle to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. As with many other types of car engine repair, early detection of bad bearings can save you money by addressing the problem before it gets out of hand.

Symptoms of Worn Out Engine Bearings

If your vehicle has a worn out main engine bearing or rod bearing, your car will usually display some or all of the common symptoms:

  • Knocking Noises - If your car engine knocks upon starting the car, there is a good chance that your engine bearings are worn and need to be replaced.
  • Low Oil Pressure - Many times when a bearing is beginning to fail (or has failed), you will noticed signs of decreased oil pressure. This is usually more evident upon first starting the vehicle. In many cases, a bad rod bearing will lead to a "check engine oil" light being displayed on the dash. However, depending upon the severity of the problem with the bearing, the light may or may not go out after the engine runs for a few minutes.

 

Related Questions and Answers

What are Symptoms of an Engine with Low Oil Pressure?

The most obvious sign of engine low oil pressure might come from a gauge or light. Most cars are equipped with either an oil pressure gauge or a low pressure warning light, and some cars have both. Relying just on a gauge or light, though, can be a problem because the sender can fail or the light can burn out. A clattering noise from the engine can be an indication of low oil pressure. Particularly if it gets worse at lower engine speeds. In the case of even lower oil pressure, the sounds can be more like clanging or knocking.

What are the Most Common Reasons behind High Oil Pressure?

High oil pressure readings can be caused by several things. In general, it's not as big a concern as low oil pressure, because it's less likely to cause damage. One exception to that rule is too much oil in the engine. That condition can cause seals to break from the extra pressure. In some cars, oil pressure runs higher when the engine is first started. Because at lower temperatures, the oil is thicker, producing more pressure. A faulty oil sender switch can also give a reading that shows pressure to be too high. Different oil viscosity can cause high oil pressure, too.

What's a Good Trick to Pinpoint the Knocking Noise in your Engine?

A knocking noise in the engine can be very hard to diagnose, but there are a few tricks that can help. First, buy a stethoscope. Next, you can eliminate accessories like the air conditioning unit, power steering pump and alternator, by pulling the belts off one by one. If the knock disappears, the problem is in that unit. If it's still there, it is elsewhere. Use the stethoscope along all parts of the engine to pinpoint the location. If the problem gets worse at higher engine speeds, it is a strong indicator that the problem is a bad rod.

Locations

Office Hours

For Holiday Hours Contact Us (785)823-1060

Clinic Hours

Monday  

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday  

7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Wednesday  

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday  

Closed

Friday  

7:30 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday  

By Appointment Only

Sunday  

Closed