Dynamic behaviour of vertical and horizontal rotors in journal bearings with line pivot pads is investigated. Two bearing designs are compared: one with white metal pads and another with compliant liner pads. The influence of elasticity of the liner on the journal orbits is investigated. Some practical aspects of the compliant liner pad design are discussed. Compliant bearing design parameters such as preload factor, pivot offset, radial clearance, viscoelasticity, and pad inclination to control the size of the journal orbit are considered.