[GeoffP]

Taken from European Car Magazine which was from MINIUSA.

'the crankshaft, connecting rod, pistons, engine slide bearings and valves have been specially modified for this model'( Cooper S )

What, please, are 'SLIDE BEARINGS'.I have asked a number of friends who are well into motors and none can come up with a definite answer. Is this an Americanism not known to us on the other side of 'The Pond?'

Geoff Poad

[Dom]

Perhaps a little help - http://www.tribometal.sk/sbearing.htm

Dom

[benggolf]

as engine slide bearings are the main bearings that support the crankshaft on the engine block.

[GeoffP]

Many thanks to Dom & Benggolf.
During 40 years of 'playing' with petrol engines, for road, rally & race use, I, and friends with similar experience, have not come accross this term.
Mains bearings are normally refered to here as main, crankshaft, shell or perhaps thinwall bearings.

You learn something everyday.

Geoff Poad.

[scottgib]

Rod bearings are also "slide bearings", I believe as opposed to roller, ball or needle bearings.

[BruceK]

I'm in the same camp as GeoffP. I've rebuilt several classic Mini engines but have never heard of the term 'slide' bearings when referring to the crank or rod bearings.

If anything, they've always been known as 'shell' bearings.

[benggolf]

most probably an English terminology that we don't use this side of the pond.

Just like bonnet instead of hood; boot instead of trunk, etc.

[GeoffP]

I originated this thread, and live the Beautiful county of Yorkshire in England. The term 'Slide Bearings'is not common in the UK. I notice from the Tribometal site that they are based in Slavakia. Perhaps a change in translation to English?

Geoff Poad.

[Blue Thunder]

The cooper & "S" share the same design. But the "S" does have some features that make it a stronger bottom end.

1 The pistons are lower compression, and they are forged rather than cast.

2 The Crank shaft is forged steel, rather than cast.

3 The Connecting rods are forged steel, rather than Powder rods. (Powder rods are basically, metal powder formed, like a cookie, using extreme pressure and heat.)

4 The valve are tempered carbon steel, the "S" uses an upgraded material, I don't what that is? Exhaust valve are an upgrade from that.

5 The block of the "S" has special spray ports, that spray oil to the underside of the pistons to help cool them. This was a Porsche trick from years ago.

If I were building a Cooper Engine I would up grade what I could from the "S" For sure Crank, rods. I would have forged pistons made, and use stainless valve.

[Blue Thunder]

Quote:

Originally posted by GeoffP
I originated this thread, and live the Beautiful county of Yorkshire in England. The term 'Slide Bearings'is not common in the UK. I notice from the Tribometal site that they are based in Slavakia. Perhaps a change in translation to English?

Geoff Poad.

Although the bearing for the "S" do have a different part number than the Cooper. There is no indication that the material is any better. The difference that I see is the "S" has 2 locator tabs on each bearing shell, and the Cooper has only 1.
This feature would prevent the bearings from spinning. Although it's been my experience when the Bearing fails, it will spin no matter what.