An analytical technique to predict the performance of journal bearing is proposed, which considers the elastic deformation of bearing surface caused by hydrodynamic pressure and thermal expansion. The results show that the maximum temperature of bearing surface increases significantly with decreasing clearance ratio. This is more pronounced for polyamide bearing compared with lead and steel bearings. The oil film thickness due to hydrodynamic pressure deformation together with thermal expansion decreases compared with that of rigid bearing leading to an increase in load carrying capacity. This increase is considerable for polyamide bearing especially at relatively lower clearance ratio. The clearance ratio of polyamide bearing should be higher than lead and steel bearings to ensure safe critical operating conditions.