Abstract <p>The problem of rolling bearing material degradation under hydrogen exposure and the occurrence of subsurface stresses in its weakened inner ring due to contact interaction with a cylindrical roller is considered. Dependences of mechanical stresses and the concentration of free hydrogen on the radial coordinate in the system shaft–bearing ring mounted with an interference fit are constructed. It is shown that hydrogen creates conditions for material degradation in the bearing ring, and accumulation of hydrogen-induced damage occurs near the contact surface between the bearing ring and the shaft. The effect of hydrogen on the elastic modulus of the bearing ring material is assessed. It is shown that under hydrogen exposure, the ring experiences additional radial expansion, which reduces the working clearance in the bearing. In the analysis of subsurface stresses, the bearing ring was replaced by an elastic half-space. The contact stress between the cylinder and the half-space was found using Hertzian formulas, and the stress state at depth within the half-space was determined using the superposition principle of the solution for a concentrated force. It is shown that the equivalent stresses reach a maximum at a certain depth within the ring, and their value increases under hydrogen exposure.</p>