Federal-Mogul Predicts Faster Shift to Aluminum Engine Bearings in Aftermarket

Automotive engine rebuilders have embraced aluminum engine bearing technologies and are adopting this new material for a broad range of late-model automotive applications, according to engineering and marketing representatives at Federal-Mogul Corporation.
Federal-Mogul has pioneered the use of aluminum bearings in new and rebuilt automotive engines. The company’s Sealed Power A-Series aftermarket product line which the firm claims offers greater seizure resistance and durability than conventional layered, or "tri-metal," bearings has seen substantial growth since its 2002 introduction, according to Raymond King, director of underhood and wheel-end marketing for Federal-Mogul.
King predicted other aftermarket bearing manufacturers will attempt to address the growing demand for aluminum bearings by introducing limited product offerings featuring early-generation metallurgies and designs.
"Engine builders simply can’t ignore the benefits of this new technology, and their suppliers are seeing the industry shift toward more advanced materials," King said. Advanced aluminum bearings have largely replaced tri-metal technologies within new passenger-vehicle engines, King added. Federal-Mogul is a leading supplier of this technology to major engine OEMs worldwide.