Lubrication gap

Sliding bearings are used for crankshaft bearings in the engine. A specific minimum distance is required so that the bearing operates as wear-free as possible. Miniature eddy current sensors are integrated in the bearing for this. They measure the distance through the bearing half-shell on the crankshaft. It can thus be established whether sufficient oil is lubricating the shaft in the bearing. If the film of oil breaks down, the distance to the shaft must be almost zero. This is because a certain minimum clearance from the bearing to the shaft is required due to the viscosity of the oil.