Break in for new rod bearings

DreamTime · 09-06-2017, 09:06 PM

Hey everyone,

I am getting conflicting advice about the break in period for new rod bearings. Some people tell me there is no need to break in new bearings, some say to keep the rpms down for 250 or 500 mlles, and then one person told me I needed to also change the oil after the 500 mile mark… What is the general consensus?

Thanks

schnell1982 · 09-06-2017, 09:35 PM

There is no break in service for rod bearing shell replacement.
But a good rule of thumb might be to take it easy for 100 miles.
But the bearing shells are torqued to the crank. The mating surfaces are in contact and its a done deal.

DreamTime · 09-07-2017, 12:27 PM

Thanks! I appreciate it

BrewRifle · 09-07-2017, 12:30 PM

No break-in routine. I'd change the engine oil after 1,000 miles however.

DreamTime · 09-07-2017, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrewRifle

No break-in routine. I'd change the engine oil after 1,000 miles however.

Well, that's easy enough. I don't mind spending the little bit of extra time and money if it will keep my new bearings happy. Appreciate it, man

jeff@autocouture · 09-07-2017, 02:02 PM

We stand by better safe then sorry, we advise our customers 1,000 miles, under 3k rpm and oil change after 1,000 miles. I don't have facts to support this but like i said before and after the money just spent on performing the repair better to be safe then sorry. That being said we have 100% success rate with no bearing issues to date after the repairs are done.

Raek · 09-07-2017, 02:11 PM

Oh, man. How do you stay under 3k RPM for 1000 miles!? I'd like to think I have pretty good will power...but...damn.

azndrunk74 · 09-07-2017, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raek

Oh, man. How do you stay under 3k RPM for 1000 miles!? I'd like to think I have pretty good will power...but...damn.

I followed it as best I could..I got to about 800ish and gave in LOL.

noremaC · 09-07-2017, 04:30 PM

I don't think my DCT with GTS tune will shift under 3k in D2 after a cold start (cold start is disabled but you get the picture), ha!

DreamTime · 09-07-2017, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff@autocouture

We stand by better safe then sorry, we advise our customers 1,000 miles, under 3k rpm and oil change after 1,000 miles. I don't have facts to support this but like i said before and after the money just spent on performing the repair better to be safe then sorry. That being said we have 100% success rate with no bearing issues to date after the repairs are done.

Okay, thank you for your advice. I already went to the trouble of having the work done to my car, I would hate to do something to counteract the positive impact it had. I will do my best to behave. I promise

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raek

Oh, man. How do you stay under 3k RPM for 1000 miles!? I'd like to think I have pretty good will power...but...damn.

Haha, yeah... it will be a bit of a challenge, for sure! Looks like short shifting until I go to VIR in Oct

Z K · 09-07-2017, 05:28 PM

I was advised by my installer that the break in is about 750 miles - only partial throttle and keep RPM under 4K. After break in, no oil change is necessary.

KawBoy · 09-07-2017, 05:53 PM

Just drive it.

dparm · 09-07-2017, 06:11 PM

I would probably just follow the break-in routine that BMW uses from the factory: keep engine load and RPMs low, but be sure to vary them consistently (e.g. don't take a 1000 mile road trip and use the cruise control). Change the oil out after 1,000 miles and then have fun.

In other words, just drive like an old person for 1,000 miles.

///M Power-Belgium · 09-07-2017, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KawBoy

Just drive it.

And braking on time .

Redd · 09-07-2017, 06:43 PM

I didn't bother with break in for rod bearings. Hooned it and went to track within the first 500km of replacing it. It's been 6 mths and the engine hasn't exploded yet.

M3SWEETNESS · 09-07-2017, 07:23 PM

I agree with the peeps that are saying just drive it.... I had mine done and took it easy for the drive home which was about 400 miles away and then tracked it... no oil change after 1k either.... there's really no need as you should be expecting shavings or contamination. Car has been track multiple times after and has about 8k now, no problem.

schnell1982 · 09-07-2017, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamTime

Well, that's easy enough. I don't mind spending the little bit of extra time and money if it will keep my new bearings happy. Appreciate it, man

Call Malak @ MRF Engineering

Probably the best and most detailed BMW repair shop around.
Done the most replacements and he has researched so much on this topic.
He'll give you all the correct information to what you are asking.
He does stroker motors etc..

http://www.mrfengineering.com/

Solo_M_Tech · 09-07-2017, 09:44 PM

Drive it normal ( don't beat on it) for a few days to make sure there isn't an issue with the actual work ( bolt torque, proper reassembly etc) and if all is normal, go back to your regular driving style. There is no break in for bearings since there is no metal to metal contact ( under normal circumstances). The primary purpose for factory break in is to seat the piston rings and allow the cams and lifter buckets to mate. Bearings should never touch the crankshaft journal surfaces ( pressurized oil film protects both).

Change to oil after 500 miles to get the assembly lube out of the engine.

Green-Eggs · 09-07-2017, 10:42 PM

Soft break in is only required to seat rings and metal-on-metal things. Soft break in is not required for bearings because they don't make any contact with the crankshaft during operation.

If you want more information on the subject, try www.bebearings.com. They are the people that have the most information on this subject. They have instructions posted on their wiki for people asking if they need to break in their rod bearings. www.wiki-diy.com.

BanjoPaterson · 09-07-2017, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adenau

Drive it normal ( don't beat on it) for a few days to make sure there isn't an issue with the actual work ( bolt torque, proper reassembly etc) and if all is normal, go back to your regular driving style. There is no break in for bearings since there is no metal to metal contact ( under normal circumstances). The primary purpose for factory break in is to seat the piston rings and allow the cams and lifter buckets to mate. Bearings should never touch the crankshaft journal surfaces ( pressurized oil film protects both).

Change to oil after 500 miles to get the assembly lube out of the engine.

+1 on this. I drove mine carefully for about 500km just to make sure that nothing else was an issue. But the oil change is probably good just to reduce the silicon from the sealants.

DreamTime · 09-08-2017, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KawBoy

Just drive it.

You know all I want to do is drive it

Quote:

Originally Posted by schnell1982

Call Malak @ MRF Engineering

Probably the best and most detailed BMW repair shop around.
Done the most replacements and he has researched so much on this topic.
He'll give you all the correct information to what you are asking.
He does stroker motors etc..

http://www.mrfengineering.com/

I will call and talk to him tomorrow. Super cool they are in 949, that's where I grew up

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adenau

Drive it normal ( don't beat on it) for a few days to make sure there isn't an issue with the actual work ( bolt torque, proper reassembly etc) and if all is normal, go back to your regular driving style. There is no break in for bearings since there is no metal to metal contact ( under normal circumstances). The primary purpose for factory break in is to seat the piston rings and allow the cams and lifter buckets to mate. Bearings should never touch the crankshaft journal surfaces ( pressurized oil film protects both).

Change to oil after 500 miles to get the assembly lube out of the engine.

Omg, this is the perfect. Thank you. I always would look for the reasoning behind why my engine needs or doesn't need something, all of this makes sense!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Green-Eggs

Soft break in is only required to seat rings and metal-on-metal things. Soft break in is not required for bearings because they don't make any contact with the crankshaft during operation.

If you want more information on the subject, try www.bebearings.com. They are the people that have the most information on this subject. They have instructions posted on their wiki for people asking if they need to break in their rod bearings. www.wiki-diy.com.

When I was researching rod bearing options I was pointed in BE's direction and once I found their website I literally spent hours reading everything they had to say. After that, I chose them for my parts. They say a break in is not required, correct? I guess I just had so many conflicting recommendations I wasn't sure what was right... I'm going to check out your link, thanks!

pbonsalb · 09-08-2017, 06:26 AM

If the shop screwed up and installed the bearings incorrectly, driving gently for 1000 miles probably won't help. But if 1000 gentle miles makes you feel good, drive 2000 gentle miles and you will feel great. Since there is no actual need to do that, I just let it idle for a minute in the garage, then drove around the block, then did a local highway loop of a few miles. After that I drove it as I usually do.

09-06-2017, 09:06 PM	#1
DreamTime Captain 865 Rep 765 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (2)	Break in for new rod bearings Hey everyone, I am getting conflicting advice about the break in period for new rod bearings. Some people tell me there is no need to break in new bearings, some say to keep the rpms down for 250 or 500 mlles, and then one person told me I needed to also change the oil after the 500 mile mark… What is the general consensus? Thanks
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09-06-2017, 09:35 PM	#2
schnell1982 Captain 345 Rep 966 Posts Drives: FAST Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	There is no break in service for rod bearing shell replacement. But a good rule of thumb might be to take it easy for 100 miles. But the bearing shells are torqued to the crank. The mating surfaces are in contact and its a done deal.
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09-07-2017, 12:27 PM	#3
DreamTime Captain 865 Rep 765 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 6MT Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Greenville, SC iTrader: (2)	Thanks! I appreciate it
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09-07-2017, 12:30 PM	#4
BrewRifle Lieutenant Colonel 420 Rep 1,678 Posts Drives: 2011 MCB E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Austin, Texas iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [7.56] 2013 BMW X3 35i [0.00] 2009 BMW 135i [8.00]	No break-in routine. I'd change the engine oil after 1,000 miles however. __________________ 2011 Monte Carlo Blue E92 ///M3 - ESS VT2-625
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09-07-2017, 02:02 PM	#6
jeff@autocouture BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 966 Rep 13,780 Posts Drives: 2002 E53 X5 4.6is Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	We stand by better safe then sorry, we advise our customers 1,000 miles, under 3k rpm and oil change after 1,000 miles. I don't have facts to support this but like i said before and after the money just spent on performing the repair better to be safe then sorry. That being said we have 100% success rate with no bearing issues to date after the repairs are done.
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09-07-2017, 02:11 PM	#7
Raek Major 901 Rep 1,044 Posts Drives: 08 M3, '17 Macan GTS Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: New York iTrader: (1)	Oh, man. How do you stay under 3k RPM for 1000 miles!? I'd like to think I have pretty good will power...but...damn. __________________ I did a lot of things to it.
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09-07-2017, 04:30 PM	#9
noremaC . 242 Rep 714 Posts Drives: e90M Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (3)	I don't think my DCT with GTS tune will shift under 3k in D2 after a cold start (cold start is disabled but you get the picture), ha! __________________ Current: 2009 Alpine White/Black e90 m3 Past: 2008 Interlagos/Black e92 m3
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09-07-2017, 05:28 PM	#11
Z K Major General 1889 Rep 5,506 Posts Drives: E90 M3, G20 M340i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (3)	I was advised by my installer that the break in is about 750 miles - only partial throttle and keep RPM under 4K. After break in, no oil change is necessary. __________________ Auto Detailing Enthusiast!
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09-07-2017, 05:53 PM	#12
KawBoy Lieutenant 155 Rep 561 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: SE FL iTrader: (2)	Just drive it.
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09-07-2017, 06:11 PM	#13
dparm Stop the hate, get a V8 3850 Rep 8,625 Posts Drives: C7 Corvette GS, AMG C63 S Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Frisco, TX iTrader: (1)	I would probably just follow the break-in routine that BMW uses from the factory: keep engine load and RPMs low, but be sure to vary them consistently (e.g. don't take a 1000 mile road trip and use the cruise control). Change the oil out after 1,000 miles and then have fun. In other words, just drive like an old person for 1,000 miles. __________________ Now: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport, 2021 AMG C63 S sedan Past: 2011.5 M3 sedan ZCP
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09-07-2017, 06:43 PM	#15
Redd Brigadier General 3900 Rep 4,163 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW E92 M3 Dakar Edition Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Malaysia iTrader: (0)	I didn't bother with break in for rod bearings. Hooned it and went to track within the first 500km of replacing it. It's been 6 mths and the engine hasn't exploded yet.
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09-07-2017, 07:23 PM	#16
M3SWEETNESS Watch This! 33 Rep 705 Posts Drives: 2010 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Texas iTrader: (4)	I agree with the peeps that are saying just drive it.... I had mine done and took it easy for the drive home which was about 400 miles away and then tracked it... no oil change after 1k either.... there's really no need as you should be expecting shavings or contamination. Car has been track multiple times after and has about 8k now, no problem. __________________
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09-07-2017, 09:44 PM	#18
Solo_M_Tech Brigadier General 1688 Rep 3,140 Posts Drives: 2014 M5 6MT Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Massachusetts iTrader: (7) Garage List 2014 BMW M5 [0.00]	Drive it normal ( don't beat on it) for a few days to make sure there isn't an issue with the actual work ( bolt torque, proper reassembly etc) and if all is normal, go back to your regular driving style. There is no break in for bearings since there is no metal to metal contact ( under normal circumstances). The primary purpose for factory break in is to seat the piston rings and allow the cams and lifter buckets to mate. Bearings should never touch the crankshaft journal surfaces ( pressurized oil film protects both). Change to oil after 500 miles to get the assembly lube out of the engine. __________________ 2014 M5 6MT
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09-07-2017, 10:42 PM	#19
Green-Eggs BimmerPost Supporting Vendor 1439 Rep 1,614 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (3)	Soft break in is only required to seat rings and metal-on-metal things. Soft break in is not required for bearings because they don't make any contact with the crankshaft during operation. If you want more information on the subject, try www.bebearings.com. They are the people that have the most information on this subject. They have instructions posted on their wiki for people asking if they need to break in their rod bearings. www.wiki-diy.com.
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09-08-2017, 06:26 AM	#22
pbonsalb Lieutenant General 5231 Rep 10,614 Posts Drives: 18 F90 M5, 99 E36 M3 Turbo Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: New England iTrader: (4)	If the shop screwed up and installed the bearings incorrectly, driving gently for 1000 miles probably won't help. But if 1000 gentle miles makes you feel good, drive 2000 gentle miles and you will feel great. Since there is no actual need to do that, I just let it idle for a minute in the garage, then drove around the block, then did a local highway loop of a few miles. After that I drove it as I usually do.
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