How to Buy a Bearing
Many bearings come in standard sizes. If the bearing you require is just an ordinary ‘standard type’ bearing, you can measure the size of the bearing, (Bore x Outside Diameter x Width), or find the bearing size in a parts manual. With this information, you can buy an ‘off the shelf’ bearing.
Choosing the Right Bearing?
What Measurements or Information do I Need to Buy a Bearing?
As long as it’s not some weird and wonderful, specialised type of bearing, the information below is all you need to select and buy a bearing:
Note:
Make sure you measure the bearing in the correct format. Is it a metric or an imperial (inches) bearing?
Information Required:
Optional:
Measuring The Size of Bearing:
Use the following measurements, when finding the bearing size:
Bore (or hole diameter) x Outside Diameter x Width
or… Bore Ø x OD x W
How to Measure a Bearing
The Type of Bearing Seal:
An Open Bearing:
This is where the bearing is open to the elements. It is therefore usually installed in a sealed protected environment or housing.
A Rubber Sealed Bearing:
This is where the open bearing raceways are covered by a rubber seal to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture.
These will have the abbreviation of: RS or 2RS
Note:
The rubber seal is generally thought to provide a better seal against ingress of dirt and moisture (compared to a steel seal).
A Steel Sealed Bearing:
This is where the open bearing raceways are covered by a steel crimped seal to prevent the ingress of dirt and moisture.
These will have the abbreviation of: ZZ or 2ZZ
The Bearing Material:
Chromium Steel:
Chromium Steel has increased wear and corrosion resistance over plain steel.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel has increased wear and corrosion resistance over chromium steel (and are approximately twice the cost).
Ceramic:
Ceramics are used in the manufacture of the ball bearings. They are much harder than steel and provide high wear resistance (and are approximately four times the cost).
The Clearance:
The clearance (‘C’ rating) is the amount of play in the bearing. This sometimes needed due to heat expansion.
For precision (critical alignment) or where no great heat is generated, a ‘C’ rating is not required. E.g. a bicycle does not require a ‘C’ rated bearing.
The larger the number, the bigger the clearance: C3, C4, C5.
What’s the Bearing Filled With:
This isn’t always stated, but you may have a personal preference?
- Oil.
- Grease.
- Nothing?
Why Should I buy a Bearing Direct from a Bearing Supplier?
There are various types of bearings, and they come in a multitude of shapes and sizes. When you buy a bearing, sometimes it’s easier just to specify “I want a bearing for a widget machine” and the jobs done. But is it actually the easiest route to buying a bearing?
Positives (buying from the widget machine supplier):
- If the bearing is for a high-end product, where safety is involved, or there is a high cost for machinery downtime. It is best to get the OEM (or widget machinery suppliers) bearing for peace of mind.
- You don’t have to measure the bearing (Bore x Outside Diameter x Width), or find the size in a manual.
Negatives (buying from the widget machine supplier):
- Additional cost – If you buy from the original supplier, there are added markup costs (they will also buy in their bearings from an external supplier).
- The OEM supplier may be no-where near you if you need a bearing in a hurry.
“Buying direct, cutting out the middle man will always be because of cost or the speed of supply”. I would guess that 99.9% of manufacturer’s buy-in their bearings.
Therefore, why not go directly to a bearing supplier (see the positives and negatives above)?