Practical bearing guide
SKF FAG NSK Bearing Interchange
Complete guide to cross-referencing SKF, FAG, NSK, NTN, Timken bearings. Read interchange charts.
Cross-referencing bearings between brands is straightforward because ISO standards define the boundary dimensions (bore, outside diameter, width). However, suffixes differ between manufacturers.
Suffix conversion table
| Feature | SKF | FAG | NSK | NTN | Timken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber seal (2 sides) | 2RS1 / 2RSH | 2RSR | DDU | LLU | 2RS |
| Metal shield (2 sides) | 2Z | 2ZR | ZZ | ZZ | ZZ |
| C3 clearance | /C3 | .C3 | C3 | /C3 | C3 |
| Phenolic cage | /PHA | .T6H | T6H | - | - |
| Tapered bore (1:12) | K | K | K | K | K |
| P5 precision | /P5 | .P5 | P5 | /P5 | P5 |
Step-by-step interchange
- Locate the full bearing number on the original bearing (raceway etching, not the box).
- Note the suffix (seal type, clearance, precision).
- Look up the boundary dimensions in the KIHOI size chart.
- Confirm the load ratings match the application requirement.
- Send the full original number to KIHOI for a same-spec replacement quote.
Common pitfalls
- SKF Explorer bearings (suffix E) have higher load ratings than standard. Confirm the replacement meets the Explorer rating.
- NSK suffixes vary: VV = non-contact seal, DDU = contact seal. DDU is equivalent to 2RS.
- Timken uses inch-series part numbers for tapered roller bearings. Metric-equivalent Timken bearings may carry different prefixes.
Still unsure which model fits?
Ask for a model check Send the old bearing marking, dimensions, quantity, and application for a manual check.