Bearing - Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect bearings for the following defects.
Possible causes are shown:
1. Cratering - fatigue failure.
2. Spot polishing - incorrect seating.
3. Imbedded dirt engine oil.
4. Scratching - dirty engine oil.
5. Base exposed - poor lubrication.
6. Both edges worn - journal damaged.
7. One edge worn - journal tapered or bearing not seated.
Fig 1: Identifying Bearings Defects
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.