A narrow-band vibratory power flow calculation procedure based on the mobility method is described which recognizes rolling element bearings as a multi-dimensional compliant and dissipative connection. A gearbox with rigid casing, compliant mounts, one spur gear pair, and four bearings is analyzed and concepts for reduced noise and vibration are identified. Some pertinent modeling issues that are related to the truncated modal bases of components being synthesized are discussed. An experimental system which conceptually simulates the structure-borne noise phenomena of a gearbox is also studied. The proposed theory has been found to agree well with limited measurements. © 1996 Institute of Noise Control Engineering.