AbstractThere are many methods of calculating the properties of lubricated hydrodynamic sliding bearings running at variable loads, but, in some cases, sliding bearings of heavy‐duty machines run under constant load and at variable speeds; this can lead to reduced film thickness in the bearing and boundary lubrication. The minimum oilfilm thickness in such a bearing needs to be calculated so that the proper lubricant viscosity can be selected to reduce solid‐solid contact during machine operation. In this study, a method is presented for calculating the film thickness of sliding bearings operating with alternating rotational directions. The results of the calculations show that the squeeze effect can develop enough load‐carrying capacity to prevent solid‐solid contact between the rubbing surfaces during operation, provided the change of direction of rotation is quick