Which types of bearings are considered basic engine bearings?

Basic engine bearings are vital for minimizing friction and allowing smooth rotation within different engine components. Friction bearings and antifriction bearings are recognized as the foundational types of bearings used in engines.

Friction bearings, also known as plain bearings, rely on a smooth surface providing low friction and direct contact between the bearing and the shaft. They are often used in applications such as connecting rods and crankshafts, where they can handle high loads and are engineered for durability.

Antifriction bearings, on the other hand, utilize rolling elements, such as balls or rollers, to minimize the contact area between moving parts, thereby reducing friction. By allowing these rolling components to carry the load, antifriction bearings increase efficiency and provide smoother movement, which is especially important in high-speed and high-temperature environments found in engines.

While self-lubricating bearings, ball and roller bearings, and cylindrical and tapered bearings have their own specific applications, they do not encapsulate the broader categories of basic engine bearings as effectively as friction and antifriction, which are integral to engine performance.