Abstract: Spalling failure occurred to a GCr15 steel ball bearing after short-term service. By means of macroscopic examination, chemical compositions analysis, metallographic examination, hardness testing, and SEM and EDS analysis, the early spalling failure reasons were analyzed. The results show that the stamping defect existing on the steel ball surface made spalling happen to the steel ball first in running process of the bearing, and then the bearing inner ring and other steel balls were damaged, which finally caused early failure of the bearing.