How to Know When a Rod or Main Bearing Is Bad
by Sarah Davis
The rod and the main bearings are located in an automobile engine. These bearing are used to protect the crankshaft, or connecting rod. The bearings help the shaft to spin freely inside the engine. When these bearing go bad, glaring signs will let you know they are bad or heading in that direction. One glaring sign is a noise that sounds like knocking. Faulty engine bearings need to be replaced as soon as they go bad.
Step 1
Insert the vehicle's key into the ignition and start the car.
Step 2
Roll down the window to give you a better chance at hearing any noises. Some newer cars have almost no engine noise inside the passenger area, and it may be difficult to hear any engine noises without the window down.
Step 3
Listen for any kind of knocking noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. If there are sounds, and they continue once the engine is running, it may be a faulty main bearing. A low oil pressure warning light may accompany a faulty main bearing.
Step 4
Listen for a knocking noise that sounds more like striking tin or aluminum and increases as the vehicle accelerates. It is probably a faulty rod bearing.
References
Tips
- If your car is experiencing any of these symptoms, take it to a qualified professional immediately.
- Faulty rod bearings may result in the engine needing to be rebuilt as well as the bearings.
- Faulty main bearings will require replacing the crankshaft and all the bearings.
Writer Bio
Sarah Davis has been a culinologist since 1998. She has worked in the offices and labs of Burger King, Tyson Foods and Cargill developing and writing recipes. She currently owns WISH Events in Atlanta. She and her husband also buy homes to rejuvenate and resell. Davis holds degrees from Johnson and Wales University in culinary arts and the University of Georgia in food science.
