Cadillac 12517006 Bearing ,Connect Rod

During an engine overhaul, it is recommended to replace the main and connecting rod bearings with new ones. However, it is important to retain the old bearings for examination as they can provide valuable information about the engine's condition. Bearing failure can occur due to various reasons such as lack of lubrication, presence of dirt or foreign particles, overloading the engine, and corrosion. Regardless of the cause, it is crucial to correct the bearing failure before reassembling the engine to prevent future occurrences. When examining the bearings, they should be removed from the engine block, main bearing caps, connecting rods, and rod caps, and laid out on a clean surface in their original positions to match any issues with the corresponding crankshaft journal. Foreign particles and dirt can enter the engine through various means, including improper assembly, passing through filters or the PCV system, or being present in the oil. These particles can embed in the soft bearing material, causing damage. Regular cleaning of engine components and frequent oil and filter changes can help prevent this type of bearing failure. Lack of lubrication can be caused by excessive heat, overloading, oil leakage or throw off, and blocked oil passages. Insufficient lubrication can lead to the wiping or extrusion of bearing material from the steel backing, resulting in overheating. Driving habits, such as full throttle, low-speed operation in high gears or short trip driving, can also affect bearing life. These habits can lead to high loads on bearings, flexing, fatigue failure, and corrosion. Incorrect bearing installation during engine assembly, such as tight fitting bearings or trapped dirt or foreign particles, can also result in bearing failure.