SAIC-GM Recalls Certain Buick Velite 6 and Chevrolet Menlo Vehicles Due to Drive Motor Bearing Issue

Currently, SAIC General Motors Co., Ltd. has filed a recall plan with the State Administration for Market Regulation in accordance with relevant regulations. Starting from March 24, 2025, the company will recall certain Buick Velite 6 and Chevrolet Menlo vehicles produced during a specific period, totaling 45,023 units. The root cause of the recall lies in the potential rusting of the drive motor bearings after prolonged use, which may lead to abnormal noises during vehicle operation. In extreme cases, this could even result in power loss, seriously jeopardizing driving safety.

The drive motor bearing plays a pivotal role in a vehicle's power transmission system. It acts as the "power joint" of the car, connecting and ensuring the efficient and stable operation of rotating components within the motor, thereby delivering continuous and smooth power to the wheels. Under normal circumstances, drive motor bearings are typically sealed and filled with lubricating grease to block external moisture, dust, and other contaminants, maintaining a stable and clean operating environment. However, the rusting issue found in the drive motor bearings of the recalled SAIC-GM vehicles warrants in-depth analysis by the entire bearing industry.

The causes of bearing rust are multifaceted. On one hand, from a material perspective, while most bearing steels possess certain corrosion resistance, they are not entirely rust-proof. Common bearing steels, even those containing chromium to enhance corrosion resistance, can still succumb to rust under specific conditions. In this case, prolonged vehicle use may have subjected the bearings to countless start-stop cycles, high-speed rotations, and complex operating conditions, posing a severe challenge to their durability. On the other hand, during manufacturing, minor irregularities in processing or assembly—such as accidental exposure to sweat or acidic liquids—can leave hidden defects on the bearing surface, setting the stage for future rusting. Inadequate protective measures during storage or transportation, which expose bearings to humid or highly corrosive environments, can also accelerate rust formation.

In the field of motor manufacturing, the use of insulating varnish is closely linked to bearing rust. Some insulating varnishes release acidic components during the curing and volatilization processes. When these acidic substances, along with moisture, are absorbed by the bearing lubricating grease, they may cause the grease to degrade. Once the grease loses its protective and lubricating properties, the metal components inside the bearing become highly susceptible to contact with external corrosive agents, leading to rust. This risk is particularly pronounced in high-temperature, high-humidity regions such as southern and coastal areas, as well as during hot and humid seasons.

This large-scale recall by SAIC General Motors due to drive motor bearing issues serves as a wake-up call for the bearing industry. It underscores the need for bearing manufacturers to further strengthen quality control—starting from the procurement of raw materials by strictly selecting high-quality, corrosion-resistant bearing steels. During production, optimizing processes and enhancing supervision over machining and assembly operations are crucial to eliminating rust risks caused by human error. At the same time, continuous improvements in anti-rust technologies, such as exploring more effective protective coatings and packaging methods, are essential. Additionally, bearing manufacturers should deepen collaboration with automakers and motor producers, establishing joint R&D mechanisms to develop high-performance, high-reliability bearing products tailored to different vehicle models and operating conditions. By addressing root causes such as bearing rust, the industry can contribute to the stable development of the automotive sector and safeguard consumer safety and rights.