Insert bearings perform a number of important functions, including ____________.

Insert bearings are engineered components in machines that serve several critical functions. One of their primary roles is to reduce friction between moving parts. By allowing smoother motion, they help minimize energy loss and wear, enhancing the efficiency and longevity of the machinery.

Additionally, insert bearings support moving parts, effectively helping to bear the loads and manage the forces that are experienced during operation. This support is crucial for maintaining the correct alignment and operation of moving mechanisms, ensuring they function correctly under various conditions.

Moreover, insert bearings act as replaceable wear surfaces, meaning they are designed to wear over time, preserving the integrity of other more expensive components in the assembly. By replacing the insert bearings when they wear out, maintenance is simplified, and costs are reduced since the entire assembly does not need to be replaced.

Thus, the answer encompassing all these functions reflects the comprehensive role that insert bearings play in engine construction and machinery operations, highlighting the importance of their multi-faceted contributions to reducing friction, supporting moving parts, and serving as wear surfaces.