NU2338-ECML bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU2338-ECML is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 190 x 400 x 132 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 190 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 400 mm |
| Width B | 132 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 1830 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 2550 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 236 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 1500 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 3000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 80500 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 2338 ECML |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings |
| Last verified | 2026-09-26 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings) · extracted 2026-09-26
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings); SKF® and SKF Explorer® are trademarks of AB SKF, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized SKF distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at skf.com.
Dimensions in inches & NU2300-series range
| Bore d | 7.48 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 15.748 in |
| Width B | 5.197 in |
| ISO bore code | 38 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 105 mm |
| Smallest bore in NU2300-series | 20 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NU2300-series | 750 mm |
| Width range across NU2300-series | 21–224 mm |
| Bore position in NU2300-series (smallest first) | 26 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest NU2300-series size | 170 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ2338-ECML | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same ISO 15 envelope 190×400×132 mm and equivalent catalogue ratings; the NJ execution differs in flange/retaining-ring configuration — boundary-dimension interchangeable, but axial-locating behaviour is not identical. |
Interchange levels: full standard interchange · partial verify parameters · verify manual confirmation required. Links resolve to the equivalent model's specification page where available.
How the NU2338-ECML model number is decoded
For a 190 mm shaft, SKF lists NU2338-ECML as single-row caged cylindrical roller: 400 mm OD, 132 mm wide, Pu 236 kN, the catalogue lists 1,500 r/min thermal reference speed and 3,000 r/min mechanical limiting speed. The NU configuration means two integral flanges on the outer ring and no flanges on the inner ring, so the inner ring together with the roller set is separable; functionally the bearing is non-locating: the inner ring assembly can float axially in both directions and the bearing cannot support axial load. Reading the order-string suffix ECML: the E-design ECML execution with a one-piece machined brass cage for higher-temperature, higher-speed continuous duty. With C 1830 kN and C0 2550 kN, size the bearing on the 190×400 mm ISO 15 envelope and check the 236 kN Pu against the equivalent-load floor; the catalogue lists 1,500 r/min thermal reference speed and 3,000 r/min mechanical limiting speed. Fit practice for NU2338-ECML: fit the inner ring and roller assembly onto the shaft and the outer ring into the housing independently; thermal expansion is absorbed by axial float, so do not trap the inner ring between shaft shoulders. Single-row cylindrical rollers tolerate only about 3–4 minutes of arc misalignment, so verify shaft and housing alignment.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- heavy turbogenerator rotor supports
- mining hoist and winder shafts
- offshore drawworks shafts
- large rolling-mill drive trains
Known failure patterns
- inner-ring raceway spalling from overload or contamination in the line-contact hertz zone
- outer-ring raceway fatigue after extended service at loads above the catalogue L10 rating
- cage pocket wear from roller skew at light load
- cage pocket wear from roller skidding at insufficient radial load or during start-up before oil film build-up
- roller-end scoring from inadequate oil flow in the roller-raceway contact
- edge-loading fatigue after shaft deflection beyond the 3–4 minute alignment limit
- smearing (microwelding) on roller surfaces during skid starts with insufficient minimum load
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Do not use a NU bearing where axial load must be carried — the design carries radial load only
- The dimension series 23 (medium-section, wide) envelope is shared with the N/NU/NJ/NUP executions of 2338, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 2338 ECML and do not substitute rib styles without checking the shaft locating scheme.
- Press-fit force goes through ring faces only; driving a ring home through the rollers brinells the 400 mm raceway.
- Press-fit force goes through ring faces only; driving a ring home through the rollers brinells the 400 mm raceway.
- The 1830/2550 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 (2018) values for the ECML execution; re-verify against the current catalogue for critical drives and keep the catalogue version with the specification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions and catalogue data of NU2338-ECML?
SKF NU 2338 ECML is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 190 mm bore, 400 mm OD and 132 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 1830 kN, C0 2550 kN, Pu 236 kN, reference speed 1,500 r/min and limiting speed 3,000 r/min, mass about 80500 g.
What does the NU designation and ECML suffix mean?
The ECML suffix denotes the E-design execution with a one-piece machined brass cage for higher-temperature and higher-speed continuous duty. Structurally this execution has two integral flanges on the outer ring and no flanges on the inner ring, so the inner ring together with the roller set is separable.
Can NU2338-ECML take axial load and locate the shaft?
No — the inner ring has no flanges, so the NU bearing is non-locating and carries radial load only; use NJ (one direction), NUP (both directions) or a paired thrust bearing for axial duty.
How does NU2338-ECML compare with the other executions in the same envelope?
The N/NU/NJ/NUP executions share the ISO 15 envelope and load ratings but differ in flange arrangement and axial-locating behaviour; quote the exact order number.
What limits the service life of this bearing most often?
Line-contact fatigue above the L10 rating, cage wear at light loads and high temperatures, and edge loading from misalignment beyond about 3–4 minutes of arc are the typical failure drivers.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings on 2026-09-26. Read our editorial & correction policy.