I know what bad bearings look like, what is the failure mode though?
For example if a bearing is bad or damaged, is it guaranteed to progress to total failure? Would you be guaranteed to see an increase in metals in a UOA?
Conversely if you see little to no wear metals in a UOA can you positively state that your bearings are happy?
Is it possible for bearings to be damaged but the damage to not cause an impact? For example if a particle streak occurs, what does it actually translate to? Does it translate to decreased engine life span? Why? Does it leave things unchanged? Why? Does the fact that it streaked cause progressive wear?
For example if a bearing is bad or damaged, is it guaranteed to progress to total failure? Would you be guaranteed to see an increase in metals in a UOA?
Conversely if you see little to no wear metals in a UOA can you positively state that your bearings are happy?
Is it possible for bearings to be damaged but the damage to not cause an impact? For example if a particle streak occurs, what does it actually translate to? Does it translate to decreased engine life span? Why? Does it leave things unchanged? Why? Does the fact that it streaked cause progressive wear?