Experimental investigations were carried out to better understand the rolling contact fatigue mechanisms in nitrided layers of the 33CrMoV12-9 steel grade. Surface-initiated pitting failure mode was reproduced on a twin-disc machine to analyse crack growth and compressive residual stress behaviour within the nitrided layers. Metallographic examinations, 3D observations by means of high-resolution X-ray computed tomography and residual stress analysis were realised on nitrided 33CrMoV12-9 specimens before and after rolling contact fatigue tests. The study revealed that if the initial compressive residual stresses associated with the surface treatment are released during the process of rolling contact fatigue, pre-existing superficial cracks propagate in the nitrided layers along the intergranular carbides. These precipitates induced by the nitriding process therefore act as preferential crack propagation sites.