The paper presents a new experimental device made to analyze the thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) behavior of connecting-rod bearings functioning in severe conditions. First, it focuses on the test bench description. The general principle of the test bench and then the main original technological solutions used with respect to the functional specifications are detailed. Two numerical models are described. They were developed in order to design and to validate two central components of the experimental device. Finally, the paper comments on the test results used to understand and validate the traction∕compression loading system, which is one of the key points in the test bench behavior.