LEG Journal Bearing Re-Engineering
Reverse engineering leading edge groove journal bearings from incomplete housings — delivering new bearing assemblies when original parts were unavailable.
Re-engineering is a practical solution when original spare parts are unavailable, too expensive, or have excessive lead times. Using existing components as a starting point, Oiltech can reverse engineer, design, and manufacture new bearings to restore equipment to full operation.
The Challenge
Four LEG journal bearing housings arrived for re-engineering — but without the journal pads. The pads had likely been used as donors for other bearings or discarded as scrap.
The housings also had broken and missing oil transfer tubes, though they were otherwise in good condition with end covers intact.
The task was to reverse engineer the complete bearing assembly from the housings alone, design new journal pads, and manufacture four complete assemblies.
Design & 3D Modelling
Work began by re-engineering and creating 3D models of the housings and end covers. These models formed the basis for designing the new journal pads.
The pad design was generated by applying bearing design expertise, ensuring the new parts would:
- Fit the existing housings precisely
- Align with the oil transfer tubes
- Match the current shaft diameters
- Have appropriate pre-load for reliable operation
Manufacturing & Verification
During manufacturing, the running clearance of the bearings was verified using a lift check (also known as a "bump check"), performed in the horizontal plane using a mandrel to replicate the journal.
This ensured the correct operating clearance was achieved before final assembly.
Completed Assemblies
The design was approved for four bearing assemblies and production completed within a matter of weeks.
The new journal pads were fitted to the original housings along with new oil transfer tubes and new o-rings — restoring the assemblies to full operational condition.
Key Outcomes
Reverse Engineered
Complete bearing assemblies designed from housings alone — no original drawings required.
Fast Turnaround
Four complete assemblies manufactured and delivered within weeks.
Equipment Restored
Original housings returned to full operational condition with new components.
Engineering-Led
3D modelling, design expertise, and verified clearances ensured reliable performance.
Have a Re-Engineering Challenge?
Speak to our engineering team about reverse engineering bearings from existing components.