Abstract: In this paper a simulation model is proposed to study the localized defects of the rolling element bearing. In the model, the effects of internal radial clearance, the time-varying and nonlinear stiffness, the slippage between elements have been taken into account. Simultaneously, a resonance changer was introduced into the model to represent a typical high frequency resonant response of the fault bearing. The dynamics equations were numerically integrated for the outer race, inner race and rolling element local defects model. Analysis of the simulated and experimental vibration signals show preliminarily that the model is successful.