Re-Engineering Critical Bearings When OEM Supply Is No Longer an Option
Replacement, reverse engineering and performance optimisation of hydrodynamic bearings — enabling operators and service providers to overcome obsolescence, long lead times and legacy design limitations.
Oiltech provides re-engineering solutions for bearings and rotating equipment components that are difficult to source, obsolete or no longer supported by OEMs.
From replicating existing designs to developing improved replacements, we deliver reliable, high-performance components with faster turnaround and greater flexibility.
When To Use Re-Engineering
Re-Engineering Is Typically Required When
- OEM parts are obsolete or unavailable
- Lead times are too long for operational requirements
- Existing designs are underperforming or failing
- Documentation or drawings are incomplete or missing
- A strategic spare is required to reduce supply risk
In many cases, re-engineering provides a faster and more flexible route to replacement.
Reverse Engineering Capability
Existing components can be analysed and reproduced accurately:
- Dimensional inspection and measurement
- Material identification and verification
- Assessment of wear and failure patterns
- Reconstruction of missing drawings or specifications
Components can be manufactured to match original specifications or adapted to suit updated requirements.
Beyond Replication — Engineered Improvement
Re-engineering is not limited to copying an existing design. Oiltech can:
Improve load capacity and performance | Modify geometry for better oil film behaviour
Upgrade materials for higher speed or temperature | Optimise lubrication and thermal performance
Delivering components that outperform the original design.
Obsolescence & Supply Chain Resilience
Legacy & Obsolescence Support
Many critical machines operate beyond original design life. Oiltech supports:
- Legacy turbine and compressor equipment
- Discontinued OEM product lines
- Machines with limited or no technical documentation
Strategic Spares
Re-engineering allows operators to:
- Improve supply chain flexibility
- Shorten lead times for critical components
- Develop strategic spare inventories
- Improve response during outages
Example Projects
Compressor and Turbine Thrust and Journal Bearings
This project had the advantage of some GA drawings from the end user. The samples provided were in very bad condition but still good enough to produce manufacturing drawings and supply a complete set of journal bearings and thrust bearings for a turbine and compressor train.
Floating Oil Seals
These floating oil seals were re-engineered for a compressor. With whitemetal on both axial faces and the inside diameter, the steel backed parts were then tin plated to protect against corrosion.
Steam Turbine Tilt Pad Journal Bearings
These tilt pad journal bearings are a little unusual with 6 pads, but a relatively simple design. We have repaired this type of bearing many times and when the customer wanted a spare to keep on stock ready for emergency shutdowns, we re-engineered and manufactured a 5" and 6" assembly.
Types of Components We Re-Engineer
Journal bearings | Tilt pad bearings | Thrust bearings | Combined bearing assemblies
Seals and auxiliary components | Large industrial bearing systems
Across applications including turbines, compressors, pumps and heavy machinery.
Why Oiltech
Engineering-Led Re-Engineering
More than replication — performance-driven solutions.
Flexible & Responsive
Faster turnaround compared to traditional OEM supply.
Application Expertise
Deep understanding of rotating equipment and bearing behaviour.
Integrated Capability
From analysis and design to manufacturing and repair.
Need to Replace an Obsolete or Difficult-to-Source Bearing?
Talk to our engineering team to develop a reliable, high-performance replacement solution.