• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-

Thrust Bearing Wear

  • Thread starter Thread starter TorchRed_4.0
  • Start date Start date Sep 6, 2022

TorchRed_4.0

Member
Mar 2, 2019
67
2
8
Georgia
Sep 6, 2022
#1
  • Sep 6, 2022
  • #1
I tore my engine apart after finding gold fine metal in my oil. Engine has about 200 miles max. Does this look normal?
 

Attachments

  • E8B957C3-885B-413A-8771-6C318A7BFF82.webp
    378 KB · Views: 332
  • B84A8D25-231F-4344-80F0-B163C04FDAC0.webp
    162.5 KB · Views: 380
  • 02554F94-69E3-4552-B5F4-D0BDF03D8170.webp
    171.1 KB · Views: 248
  • 06AD6AC4-BD8C-48BB-9504-3AA96000FF31.webp
    156.3 KB · Views: 238
  • 48EDE98D-E5CD-4507-9746-E6F9B38C97BF.webp
    319.7 KB · Views: 232

HotFox

15 Year Member
Jan 5, 2009
1,059
673
164
SE Michigan
Sep 6, 2022
#2
  • Sep 6, 2022
  • #2
Nope not normal. You can see alot of debris ran through this bearing. Those dots near the bearing tang are evidence of debris embedded in the bearing either it was put together dirty or you have other issues. The thrust looks almost new or factory machining marks? Or is that wear too? Can't tell.
Scott
 

TorchRed_4.0

Member
Mar 2, 2019
67
2
8
Georgia
Sep 7, 2022
#3
  • Sep 7, 2022
  • #3
HotFox said:
Nope not normal. You can see alot of debris ran through this bearing. Those dots near the bearing tang are evidence of debris embedded in the bearing either it was put together dirty or you have other issues. The thrust looks almost new or factory machining marks? Or is that wear too? Can't tell.
Scott
Click to expand...
Well this bearing has less than 200 miles on it, I just put this motor together like 6 months ago and the oil looked like that.
 

rednotch

I'd like to remain having one chocolate starfish
Founding Member
Aug 14, 2000
1,409
635
143
south jersey
Sep 7, 2022
#4
  • Sep 7, 2022
  • #4
Check the end play if you haven't all ready. Its definitely open end up some clearances on the thrust. you will see some wear from break in but that looks excessive like a drive train issue to me, . Reinstall and check the end play numbers.
 

HotFox

15 Year Member
Jan 5, 2009
1,059
673
164
SE Michigan
Sep 7, 2022
#5
  • Sep 7, 2022
  • #5
After a second look it looks as your thrust is misaligned. Only one half is showing wear. Some times the cap will need to be seated to allow proper alignment for both bearings as red notch stated a dial indicator showing end play may point you in a direction.

Here is a example of decent bearings this is from my 331 that I put together back in 2009 that I tore down for the first time this spring, it regularly saw 8K rpm. Remember your crank and bearings never touch it rides on a thin oil film.

Scott
 

Attachments

  • 20220227_145841.webp
    532.8 KB · Views: 195
  • 20220227_153738.webp
    451.2 KB · Views: 186

manicmechanic007

5 Year Member
Sep 26, 2017
2,543
718
143
Roy, Utah
Sep 10, 2022
#6
  • Sep 10, 2022
  • #6
How heavy is your clutch?
 

revhead347

Apparently my ex-husband made that mistake.
20+ Year Stangneter
Jun 14, 2004
9,303
1,647
214
Acworth, GA
Oct 14, 2022
#7
  • Oct 14, 2022
  • #7
manicmechanic007 said:
How heavy is your clutch?
Click to expand...
I tore up a thrust bearing from heavy clutches. It took 85,000 miles.

Kurt
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

F
Fox 1990 Mustang GT 5.0 A9L – Engine suddenly shuts off but immediately restarts when key turned
  • FishermansFriend
  • Aug 9, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
13
Views
303
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Today at 12:41 PM
miser143
M
9
1994 Mustang GT 5.0 L Convertible
  • 94ns95
  • Jun 17, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
10
Views
233
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 19, 2026
94ns95
9
H
Ongoing Battle With Hydraulic Lifters
  • hailer06
  • Jun 8, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
347
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jun 9, 2026
Noobz347
M
85 Capri 5.0 transmission rattle
  • Mamaclean
  • May 2, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
177
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- May 17, 2026
Mamaclean
M
Suspension Setting Front Alignment - Do I care about the rear's thrust angle?
  • dan50
  • Nov 27, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
5
Views
350
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 28, 2025
Kid wita 5oh
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?