Compact Machinery Assemblies

Needle roller bearings and miniature bearings fit where radial space is tight, such as gear assemblies, rocker arms, small drives, clutch mechanisms and compact automotive parts. With such small cross-sections, the shaft and housing tolerances determine whether the bearing runs correctly. Buyers need the exact boundary dimensions and design type, because many compact bearings look almost the same.

• Specify whether the design is a drawn cup, a caged needle assembly or a bearing with an inner ring, as this decides whether the shaft acts as the raceway.
• Give the full bore, outside diameter and width, because many compact bearings share similar dimensions but are not interchangeable.
• Where the shaft is the raceway, confirm its hardness and surface finish before switching to a needle bearing without an inner ring.
• For clutch release and automotive positions, match the complete assembly reference rather than the bearing insert alone.