Bearing Shell Non-Conformance

Identification
Objective
• What is a bearing?
• Non-conformances
• Reporting non-conformances
What is a Bearing?

Hard steel backing

Soft metal inner lining

Bearing shells are C shaped pieces of metal with a soft metal

inner liner and a hard steel backing.
What is a Bearing?

Bearing shells are located between the block and crankshaft;

block or on connecting rods in a diesel engine. Bearings are
designed to wear away as the crankshaft or camshaft rotates.
What is a Bearing?
Rust

Scratch

Bearings can rust on the edges and outer side of the hard
steel backing if unprotected. The bearing’s soft metal inner
lining is easily damaged by contact with hard metal objects.
What is a Bearing?

Heat Treatment
Some bearings are tempered through a heat treatment
process. This is NOT rust. It is not a non-conformance.
Bearing Non-Conformances
Cummins Engineering Standard 16113 defines all
non-conformances for bearing shells. This is a
Cummins controlled document for internal use only.
The Engineering Standard is kept on file in the
Cummins EBU Product Life Cycle database.

The specific non-conformances covered in this

training are scratches, nicks, indentations, and
corrosion.

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Scratches and Nicks
Engineering Standard 16113 regarding scratches

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Scratches and Nicks
Scratches will appear as bright, shiny metal against the
dull gray color of the inner surface of the bearing shell.

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Scratches and Nicks

Nick

Scratch

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Scratches and Nicks (Non-conforming)
General guideline for determining unacceptable scratches:
Lightly drag the back of your fingernail over the inner surface of
the bearing shell. If you can feel a bump, the scratch or nick is
too deep and the bearing is non-conforming.

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Scratches and Nicks (Conforming)
Discolored streaks or marks are NOT scratches and are
acceptable. Some may be shiny, some may be dark. They have
no depth. Dark streaks or marks are the result of normal
oxidation.

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Corrosion (General information about rust)
Rust is a ferrous (iron) oxide that is reddish-brown
to orange in color. Rust causes pits in the metal,
ruining the part. It is sometimes gritty or powdery
to the feel. Often, when rubbed, rust transfers onto
your finger.

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Corrosion

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Heat Treatment is NOT Rust
Mottled, brown or rainbow colored markings are heat
treatment. If you rub the marks, nothing comes off on your
finger.

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Reporting Non-conformances
• If you hear loose pieces moving around inside a
carton of bearings, open and inspect them for damage.

• If you find loose pieces of bearings in a shipment,

inspect them for damage or corrosion.

• Use the general guidelines in this presentation for

determining non-conformance.

• Not all marks on bearing shells are non-conforming.

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not
replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Reporting Non-conformances
• If you are uncertain whether a mark on the bearing
shell is nonconforming, contact MDC Quality via email
with pictures and shipment information or contact
your Cummins Field Service Engineer.

• For non-conformances, file a claim with the MDC via

email to RGA.Requests@Cummins.com or contact your
Cummins Customer Support Representative.

General information for detecting visible non-conformances does not

replace Cummins Engineering Standard 16113.
Bearing Shell Non-Conformance
Identification
Designed and created by Jerry Green, MDC Quality
July 2011
Do not copy or use without permission
Jerry.J.Green@Cummins.com
(901) 546-5653