Crankpin Bearings: A Best Component in Engine Reliability

Crankpin Bearings are precision components placed between the crankshaft and the big end of the connecting rod. They enable smooth rotation while handling heavy, cyclic loads—critical for minimizing friction, wear, and heat in the engine’s dynamic environment.
Typically made as two-piece semi-circular shells, these bearings are manufactured from multi-layer steel with specialized overlays for durability and performance.

Why Crankpin Bearings Matter — Especially in Marine & Heavy-Duty Engines

On large diesel, marine, and industrial engines, crankpin bearings:

  • Allow smooth, low-friction operation under extreme pressure.
  • Distribute loads, absorb shocks, and prevent metal-on-metal contact.
  • Help extend engine life and reduce costly downtime.

After crankshaft grinding or resizing, they often no longer fit—undersized crankpin bearings are essential in these cases. Unfortunately, such sizes are usually rare in the market, especially for older or less common engine models.

Crankpin Bearing of Yanmar Engine
Crankpin Bearing of Yanmar Engine
Crankpin Bearings of Yanmar Engine
Crankpin Bearings of Yanmar Engine

RA Power Solutions: Your Expert Source for Crankpin Bearings

With over four decades of experience, RA Power Solutions offers:

  • A wide inventory of standard and undersize crankpin bearings for major engine makes, including Yanmar, Daihatsu, MAK, MAN, and others.
  • Globally sourced tri-metal and plain bearings from Japan, Germany, and the UK
  • Custom special-size manufacturing—especially valuable when standard undersize bearings aren’t available.
  • Integration of grinding, supply, and commissioning under one provider—minimizing downtime and simplifying your project.

Types & Materials: What Makes a Crankpin Bearing Superior?

  • Design: Most are use multi-layer constructions—steel backing with copper-lead alloy substrates and wear-resistant overlays that enhance conformity and embeddability.
  • Lubrication: Bearings rely on hydrodynamic lubrication—an oil film separates moving surfaces. Poor oil supply or boundary lubrication leads to wear, cavitation, and early failure.
  • Manufacturing types: Bearings can be standard or trimmed to undersize; some advanced options include polymer or sputtered tri-component coatings for enhanced durability.
MAN B&W engine crankpin & main journal bearing undersize
MAN B&W engine crankpin & main journal bearing undersize

When Do You Need Undersize Crankpin Bearings?

  • Post-Grinding Fit
    Grinding crankshaft journals removes damage and reduces size, so standard bearings no longer fit.
  • Obsolete Engine Models
    Older or non-mainstream engines may lack available spare parts—undersize bearings become a critical solution.
  • Downtime Reduction
    Having ready-to-ship bearings saves time and keeps operations on track—critical in marine, industrial, or power generation applications.

Keep Your Engines Running: Best Practice

StrategyBenefit
Assess bearing clearance accurately after grindingEnsures proper oil film, prevents boundary lubrication
Choose the right material and layer configurationImproves load resistance, wear life, and engine reliability
Opt for suppliers with custom undersize capabilitySaves time, avoids sourcing hurdles for rare sizes
Prioritize reputable brands and tested partsReduces downtime and unexpected failures

Connect with Us for Quality Crankpin Bearings

Need reliable crankpin bearings —standard or undersized—for Yanmar, Daihatsu, MAK, MAN, or other engine makes? RA Power Solutions is your global partner, offering precision parts and expert on site support.
Email: info@rapowersolutions.com | info@rapowersolutions.com

Contact us at: +91 9582647131 or +91 9810012383

FAQs:

Q1. What are crankpin bearings?

Crankpin bearings are precision components that support the connecting rod on the crankshaft, reducing friction and wear.

Q2. Why are undersize crankpin bearings needed?

These are required after crankshaft grinding when journal diameters are reduced.

Q3. What causes crankpin bearing failure?

Improper lubrication, high loads, or misalignment are the most common causes of crankpin bearing failure.

Q4. Can custom-size of Bearings be manufactured?

We manufacture custom undersize and special bearings for obsolete or rare engine models.

Q5. Which engines commonly use ?

Marine, industrial, and power engines such as Yanmar, Daihatsu, MAK, and MAN.

Repair of Daihatsu 5Dk-20 Engine Crankshaft in Visakhapatnam

RA Power Solutions was approached by a leading shipping company regarding the problem faced by them in the crankshaft of Daihatsu 5DK-20 Auxiliary Engine.

The vessel was visiting Visakhapatnam port India and it was decided to undertake the repair of the damaged crankshaft in Visakhapatnam port.

RA Power Solutions technicians undertook the grinding of four numbers of crankpins having a standard diameter of 170 mm. Due to serious damage to the crankpin, we have to undertake the grinding of two crankpins to the undersize of 0.5 mm, and on balance two crankpins were undersized by 1.0 mm. The job of crankpin repair of Daihatsu 5DK 20 Auxilary engine was undertaken in 76 hours without holding a vessel.

Damage of crankpin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20
Damage of crankpin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20
Deep Bearing line marks on crank pin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20
Deep Bearing line marks on crank pin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20
Crack detection by MPI of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 crankshaft
Crack detection by MPI of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 crankshaft
Crack detection of crankpin Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 by MPI
Crack detection of crankpin Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 by MPI
Damaged crank pin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20
Damaged crank pin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20
Grinding of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 under progress
Grinding of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 under progress

Supply of undersized bearing of Daihatsu 5DK-20 Engine crankshaft

We have supplied the undersize bearing of the crankpin to the client and the engine is performing satisfactory.

RA Power Solutions, a prominent provider of marine engine repair services, was approached by a leading shipping company to address issues with the crankshaft of a Daihatsu 5DK-20 auxiliary engine. The vessel was scheduled to dock at Visakhapatnam Port, India, providing an opportunity for the necessary repairs.

Crankpin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 after Polishing
Crankpin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 after Polishing
Crankpin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 after grinding
Crankpin of Daihatsu Engine 5DK-20 after grinding

For more details of the crankpin grinding machine, crankpin polishing of daihatsu engine, daihatsu 5Dk-20 engine repair, bearing of Daihatsu 5DK-20 Engine crankshaft, or crankshaft grinding and repair email us at info@rapowersolutions.com, rajshahani@rapowersolutions.com, Call at +91 9582647131,+91 9810012383.