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Most crankshafts use plain bearings because a rotating journal can create an oil film that carries heavy, changing loads in a compact bearing arrangement integrated with the engine’s oil system. Roller bearings can reduce friction and lubricant demand in some applications, but they bring different load, packaging, durability, and oil-routing trade-offs. They are used in some engines; plain bearings are not universally superior.
How a plain crankshaft bearing carries load
A plain bearing has no rolling elements. Its bearing shell surrounds a crankshaft journal with a small clearance. In a hydrodynamic bearing, the rotating journal drags oil into that clearance and forms a pressurized wedge of oil. Under suitable conditions, that film carries the load and separates the journal from the bearing surface. Miba explains plain-bearing terminology and operation in its plain-bearing overview; Savvy Aviation describes oil-film formation and startup conditions in its oil-film explanation.
The surfaces are not necessarily separated by a full hydrodynamic film at every moment. During startup, shutdown, very low-speed operation, or inadequate oil supply, the film may be incomplete. Bearing materials and additives, oil viscosity and temperature, clearance, geometry, and oil delivery all affect how the bearing behaves.
Why plain bearings suit crankshafts
They handle a demanding, changing load pattern
Combustion and inertia forces make crankshaft bearing loads highly dynamic. Schaeffler’s 2010 technical paper says, “These crankshaft bearings are subject to very high and highly dynamic loads.” It also discusses changing force directions and bearing tilting. Connecting-rod bearings face further complexity: rod motion adds centrifugal effects, while the relative speed between rod and crankshaft fluctuates. Those conditions make rolling-bearing life and support design challenging, not an automatic improvement over a plain bearing.
#1 Best Overall
- Complete Standard Size Main Bearing Set: Includes a full set of five standard-size LS main bearings for complete engine installation, making this kit ideal for Gen III and Gen IV LS rebuilds, stock refreshes, and performance bottom-end assembly using factory crankshaft dimensions.
- Fits Gen III and Gen IV LS Engines: Designed for 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L, 6.0L, and 6.2L LS-based V8 engines, including LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LQ4, LQ9, L92, L94, L76, L77, LY6, L96, and other common LS car, truck, SUV, and swap applications.
- SI-Series Performance Design: Engineered for stock and performance LS engines using factory crankshafts, delivering dependable oil control, improved durability, and reliable bearing performance for street builds, rebuilds, and higher-output LS combinations.
- Bi-Metal Silicon Aluminum Construction: Built with a bi-metal silicon aluminum design that provides excellent load capacity, wear resistance, and long service life while supporting proper bearing function in demanding Gen III and Gen IV LS engine environments.
- Improved Crankshaft Surface Conformity: Designed to help smooth microscopic surface imperfections on nodular cast iron crankshafts, supporting improved bearing life, reduced wear, lower vibration, and quieter operation during long-term engine use.
They fit into the block, rods, and oil system
Plain-bearing shells provide a compact, established way to support crankshaft journals in the engine block and connecting rods. The engine’s pressure-oil system feeds the bearings, so oil delivery and bearing clearance can be designed as parts of the same system. The arrangement still depends on suitable pressure, flow, geometry, and film behavior; a plain bearing is not immune to lubrication problems.
A rolling-bearing crankshaft is not simply the same shaft with rollers added. The shaft, housing, stiffness, clearances, installation method, manufacturing process, noise, and oil routing all need to work together. Schaeffler describes crankshaft plain-bearing assemblies as cost-effective, easy to mount, and robust in a 2018 symposium excerpt; that is the manufacturer’s characterization, not a universal cost comparison for every engine.
Rank #2
- 【Replacement Engine Crankshaft】Crankshaft bearings connecting rod kit fits for Hyundai fits for Kia 2.4L Engine. If you need replacement due to wear and damage, our Engine Crankshaft Bearings units are factory-spec and the perfect replacement part for you.
- 【Vehicle Fitment】 Compatible with HYUNDAI modles: for 2011-2019 Sonata 2.4L | for 2012-2020 Tucson 2.4L | for 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport 2.4L | for 2019-2020 Santa Fe 2.4L.
- 【Vehicle Fitment】 Compatible with KIA modles: for 2011-2020 Optima 2.4L | for 2010-2013 Forte 2.4L | for 2010-2013 Forte Koup 2.4L | for 2012-2019 Sportage 2.4L | for 2012-2020 Sorento 2.4L | for 2010-2011 Rondo 2.4L.
- 【Package Includes】 1x engine crankshaft (23111-2G200 23111-2G230). 1x Main & Rod Bearing Kit with Thrust Washer (10x Main Bearing Kit, 8x Rod Bearing Kit, 2x Thrust Washer).
What roller bearings can improve—and what they complicate
Rolling bearings can offer low friction and lower lubricant demand in some conditions, and may tolerate lubricant starvation better in some contexts. Schaeffler’s 2010 paper identifies potential advantages at cold starts and in stop-start or hybrid operation. But the highly dynamic loads and tilting of crankshaft applications create demanding rating-life and integration requirements, particularly for connecting-rod bearings.
One compromise discussed by Schaeffler is to use rolling bearings at the main journals while retaining plain bearings at the connecting rods. The rods still need pressure oil. In other layouts, the paper describes retaining a plain main bearing or adding a separate pressure feed. These examples show why changing bearing type affects the wider engine system, rather than just friction at one interface.
Rank #3
- [Rod & Main Bearings Kit] This is STANDARD size crankshaft bearing kit that includes Connecting Rod Bearings and Crankshaft Main Bearings, Replacement for GM 4.8L 5.3L 5.7L 6.0L 6.2L LS-series V8 1997-2013 engines.
- [Suitable for LS engine] The LS engine main & rod bearings are crucial for supporting the crankshaft and preventing metal-to-metal contact between the crankshaft and engine block, Regularly inspecting and replacing these bearings can significantly reduce the risk of engine damage and ensure reliable performance over time.
- [Reference Part Number] MB2199 CB663 MS2199P CB663P 7298MA CR807SI MB5293SI MS2199P CB663P CR807SI BC409J BB253J CR807SI MS-2199P CB-663P
- [Precise fit] Crafted from high-strength metal, these bearings offer precision and standard clearance, minimizing wear and ensuring reliable performance.
- [Customer Support] ARMKER is dedicated to making engine rebuilds easier. With years of experience supplying high-quality bearings to manufacturers or repair shops. If you have any questions, please write to us。
The same paper reports a potential 5.4% fuel saving in the NEDC for a laboratory-scale rolling-bearing crankshaft study presented at the Schaeffler Symposium in 2010. That figure belongs to that specific study; it is not a typical or independently verified production-engine saving.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How engineers compare the options
There is no universally correct choice independent of engine architecture and duty cycle. Engineers assess the complete design across operating conditions, including:
Rank #4
- 【Fitment】for HYUNDAI 2006 - 2016 Sonata 2.4L DOHC 16v THETA 2; for 2012 - 2016 Sonata 2.4L 2359CC L4; for 2012 - 2016 Sonata 2.0L 1998CC L4 Turbo; for 2014 - 2015 Tucson 2.4L 2359CC L4; for Santa Fe Sport 2.4L 2359CC L4; for 2013-2018 Santa Fe Sport 2.0L 1998CC L4 Turbo. for KIA 2006 - 2016 Optima 2.4L DOHC 16v THETA 2; for 2011 - 2016 Optima 2.4L 2359CC L4; for 2011-2016 Optima 2.0L 1998CC L4 Turbo; for 2012 - 2018 Sorento 2.4L 2359CC L4; for 2016 - 2018 Sorento 2.0L 1998CC L4 Turbo; for 2014 - 2016 Sportage 2.4L 2359CC L4; for 2011 - 2016 Sportage 2.0L 1998CC Turbo.
- 【Reference Part Numbers】21020-2G020 23060-2G020 23060-2G400 23060-2G500 21030-25000 21020-2G000 23060-2G400 21020-2G100 21020-25150
- 【Strict Quality Control】 We apply strict quality control standards before it reaches you. Each product is inspected and tested multiple times before shipping.
- 【Warranty】We offer comprehensive pre-sales and after-sales support to ensure your satisfaction.Warrant-y for 1 year, We are committed to providing you with the perfect solution within 24 hours.
- 【NOTICE】Please be very careful to check our photos and part numbers, make sure the photos showed is the same as you wanted.
- Load magnitude, changes in force direction, shock, and operating-cycle dynamics.
- Bearing life and allowable wear across the engine’s speed and load range.
- Friction and heat generation, including cold starts and low-speed operation.
- Oil demand, pump capacity, and routing to crankshaft and connecting-rod bearings.
- Available space, shaft and housing stiffness, and resulting engine dimensions.
- Manufacturing, installation, serviceability, noise, and total system cost.
Rolling-element bearings appear in some motorcycle and other engine applications. Plain bearings remain common in passenger-car and commercial-vehicle crankshafts. The suitable arrangement depends on the specific engine’s loads, clearances, oil routing, materials, and packaging; this general explanation does not select a design for an individual engine.
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