Which of the following is NOT a telltale sign of bearing failure?

• A. Excessive vertical movement
• B. Misalignment
• C. Cracking or deformation in bearing pockets
• D. Visual rust on adjacent structural elements

Answer: (D)

Bearing failure shows up where the bearing itself or its seating is affected: excessive vertical movement of the connected member indicates loss of bearing clearance or seating, misalignment points to shifting or seating problems, and cracking or deformation in the bearing pockets reveals damage to the bearing seat. Visual rust on adjacent structural elements, while a corrosion concern, does not directly indicate that the bearing is failing or misbehaving. It can result from environmental exposure or other factors and may not reflect the bearing’s condition. So, rust on nearby parts isn’t a telltale sign of bearing failure, even though corrosion deserves attention during inspection. If rust is present, you should still look for the direct bearing indicators—movement, misalignment, and pocket cracking/deformation—to assess bearing health.