Polymeric Lead-Free Bearings

January 3, 2017

Jennifer Shuttleworth

The new lead-free bearing system from Mahle Engine Components (Farmington Hills, MI) combines highly engineered polymeric coatings with robust lead-free bearing linings for heavy-duty truck engines. The company claims the new system delivers improved performance compared to existing bearing linings that include lead. Mahle research shows that compared to lead-free bearings with electroplated coatings, its polymer-coated bearings offer increased resistance to both wear and fatigue, in addition to a variety of other benefits. Removing lead from the bearing improves corrosion resistance and allows for extended oil-drain intervals. Lead-free bearings also are environmentally safer, easier to dispose of, and industry testing indicates the system will offer owner-operator cost savings as well, according to Mahle. For more information, visit here .