At 1410, the pinion bearings on the reduction gear of the port engine failed. An attempt was made to stay with the assigned task force, as the maximum speed obtainable with one engine was 22 knots, but the Dale fell steadily behind. The starboard engine began overheating, forcing a further reduction of speed to 10 knots. The Dale retired to southward at 1654, stopped at 1930, and lay to until 0500 the following morning attempting repairs. At dawn the Dale rendezvoused with the task force, but as full repairs to the engine were impossible without the assistance of the tender, the Dale could not maintain her assigned screening station. Instead, under orders of Commander Destroyers, Battle Force, the Dale established an offshore patrol in sector one until the entrance of Task Group 8.4.