LO 8-12 Identify and describe the purpose, types, composition, and failures of plain split insert bearings

LO 8-12: Identify and describe the purpose, types, composition, and failures of plain split insert bearings.

Thrust Bearings

Thrust bearings are used to control end play in a crankshaft Figure 89. The forces of disengaging the clutch, helical gearing on the geartrain, and automatic torque converters can easily push or pull a crankshaft to the point where severe damage to the connecting rods and journals occur. If thrust bearings are worn out, it will be difficult to maintain a proper clutch adjustment when pressure plates, which are separated by just a few thousandths of an inch, move back and forth even a few thousandths of an inch more. Thrust washers or bearings with flanges ride against a specially machined journal on (usually) only one cheek of a main bearing journal.

FIGURE 08-89: A thrust bearing is used on a main bearing journal to control crankshaft end play.

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