In order to investigate the lubrication characteristics of journal bearings with the elasticity of liner affected by magnetic fluids, a theoretic computation model was developed based on magnetic fluids supporting force parameter ([Formula: see text]) and couple-stress factor ([Formula: see text]). The results indicate that maximum dimensionless pressure peak ([Formula: see text]) of oil-film increases with increase in magnetic fluids supporting force parameter ([Formula: see text]), couple-stress factor ([Formula: see text]) and with decrease in elastic deformation coefficient ( Ce) of the liner. The loading capacity ([Formula: see text]) increases with increase in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and with decrease in Ce particularly in the high eccentricity ratio ( ε); The attitude angle ([Formula: see text]) of S with different [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] decreases in a small range of ε at first, and then increases, it increases with the decrease of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and with the increase of [Formula: see text], theses phenomena are more obvious for [Formula: see text] at low ε and for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at moderate and high ε; the modified coefficient of friction ([Formula: see text]) decreases with increase in [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and with decrease in Ce; the side leakage ( Q) decreases with increase in [Formula: see text], with decrease in [Formula: see text] and with increase in Ce particularly in the low ( ε). Moreover, the increase of elastic deformation coefficient ( Ce) weaken the impacts of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] on the increase of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text], and the decrease of [Formula: see text], Q.