Engine Bearings
About Engine Bearings
Engine bearings support the crankshaft and other rotating parts so they spin with little friction. They wear with mileage and suffer when oil is dirty or low, and a worn one shows up as a rumble, whine or knock from the engine. This category lists crankshaft bearings, main bearing and seal kits, counter balancer bearings and kits, and a plain bearing rod, with Yamaha, Polaris, Honda, Suzuki and Can-Am examples.
Pick the bearing set for the shaft you are working on. Main bearing and seal kits go with the crankshaft, and a counter balancer kit is for engines that have a balance shaft, which is listed for some Honda and Yamaha machines. Replace bearings as a set, and replace the seals at the same time since the engine is open anyway. Fitting needs the right driver or press, because hammering a bearing can damage it, and always check the shaft and the case bore for wear.
Brands in this category include Hot Rods, Emerson, EPI, Prox and Wiseco. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page. Bearings are usually done along with Crankshafts, Connecting Rods & Parts and Gaskets, Seals & Kits, and Engine Rebuild Kits & Components are close by, in Engines & Engine Parts.
FAQs on engine bearings
What does a worn crankshaft bearing sound like?
A worn main bearing tends to give a rumble, whine or knock from the bottom of the engine, which often gets louder with engine speed. You may also feel play when you move the crankshaft by hand. Confirm the fault by following your manual.
Should I replace the crankshaft seals when I replace the bearings?
Yes. The engine is split open already, and old seals can harden or leak. Many bearing kits include the seals. A leaking crank seal can let oil or air past, so it is best to replace them together.
What is a counter balancer bearing?
A counter balancer, or balance shaft, is a weighted shaft that cancels some engine vibration on certain engines. It turns on its own bearings, which wear like any other. Counter balancer bearing kits are listed for specific Honda and Yamaha models.
What happens if I keep riding with a failing bearing?
A failing bearing can wear into the crankshaft or the cases, and it can seize or break up and send metal through the engine. That turns a bearing job into a much bigger rebuild, so stop and check the engine as soon as you hear a new noise.
