Abstract: A rolling element bearing includes a first ring having a first raceway; a second ring having a second raceway, and rolling elements between the two raceways. The first and second rings are positioned and configured so that the first and second raceways form a channel which retains the rolling elements. A first zinc alloy plated layer is on the first ring including at the first raceway, and a second zinc alloy plated layer is on the second ring including at the second raceway. The rolling elements may also be plated with a zinc alloy layer. The layers are porous and thus permit hydrogen to escape from the rings and rolling elements when baked, so that the rings and rolling elements possess low hydrogen embrittlement. The layers provide physical and galvanic protection to the underlying substrates for the rings.

Abstract: A rolling element bearing includes a first ring having a first raceway; a second ring having a second raceway, and rolling elements between the two raceways. The first and second rings are positioned and configured so that the first and second raceways form a channel which retains the rolling elements. A first zinc alloy plated layer is on the first ring including at the first raceway, and a second zinc alloy plated layer is on the second ring including at the second raceway. The rolling elements may also be plated with a zinc alloy layer. The layers are porous and thus permit hydrogen to escape from the rings and rolling elements when baked, so that the rings and rolling elements possess low hydrogen embrittlement. The layers provide physical and galvanic protection to the underlying substrates for the rings.