Abstract: By means of macro observation, chemical compositions analysis, hardness testing, metallographic examination, fracture analysis and energy spectrum analysis, early surface cleft spalling failure reason of a batch of GCr15 steel spinning roller was analyzed. The results show that carbide in material of the roller gathered and distributed in formation of chain-type and strip-type, which increased brittleness of the roller and lowered its fatigue life. So surface cleft spalling failure happened at the maximum stress zone only after a round use, and resulted in the contact fatigue failure of the roller.