This work focuses on the effects of crack free friction on Mode II stress intensity factors, $K_{II}$, for a vertical surface crack in a two-dimensional finite element model of TiN/steel subject to rolling contact. Results indicate that maximum $K_{II}$ values, which occur when the load is adjacent to the crack, may be significantly reduced in the presence of crack face friction. The reduction is more significant for thick coatings than for thin. Crack extension and increased layer thickness result in increased $K_{II}$ values. The effect of crack face friction on compressive $K_I$ values appears negligible. Comparative results are presented for $MoS_2/steel$ and diamond-like carbon(DLC)/Ti systems.