In order to solve multi-objective optimization problem of the hydrodynamic sliding bearing, a modified multi-objective differential evolution algorithm (MMODE) was proposed. The proposed algorithm provided a modified differential vector selection mechanism to improve the convergence speed and a population pruning strategy to maintain the population diversity. The vector selection mechanism compared two selected individuals and used the non-dominated individual minus the domination individual. Compared with several other evolutionary algorithms, the results showed that the proposed algorithm could overcome the premature convergence efficiently and had better convergence and diversity metrics. The results of engineering example showed the feasibility of the proposed algorithm.