An auxiliary bearing system having a sleeve through which a shaft extends. A gap may be defined between the sleeve and the shaft when a primary bearing system supports the shaft, and the sleeve may engage and rotate with the shaft when the primary bearing system does not support the shaft. An oil ring may extend circumferentially around the sleeve and rotate in response to the rotating sleeve when the sleeve engages and rotates with the shaft. The rotating oil ring may distribute lubricant within the auxiliary bearing system.