NU338-ECM bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU338-ECM is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 190 x 400 x 78 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 | 78 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 1140 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 1500 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 143 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 1500 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 50000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 338 ECM |
| 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 & NU300-series range
| Bore d | 7.48 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 15.748 in |
| Width B | 3.071 in |
| ISO bore code | 38 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 105 mm |
| Smallest bore in NU300-series | 17 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NU300-series | 620 mm |
| Width range across NU300-series | 14–109 mm |
| Bore position in NU300-series (smallest first) | 28 of 33 |
| Bore above smallest NU300-series size | 173 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
No verified interchange data yet. Send an inquiry and our team will confirm equivalents manually.
How the NU338-ECM model number is decoded
NU338-ECM is the 190 mm bore entry in the NU300 range: a 190×400×78 mm single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with a one-piece machined brass cage, rated C 1140 kN / C0 1500 kN. Structurally, the NU design 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. In arrangement terms it 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 ECM: the E-design ECM execution with a one-piece machined brass cage for higher-temperature, higher-speed continuous duty. Selection arithmetic: C0/C ≈ 1.32 (1500 against 1140 kN), and the Pu figure 143 kN is the fatigue load-limit floor for the SKF life equation; the catalogue lists 1,500 r/min thermal reference speed and 2,000 r/min mechanical limiting speed. Fit practice for NU338-ECM: 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
- large rolling-mill drive trains
- marine propulsion line shafts
- heavy turbogenerator rotor supports
- mining hoist and winder shafts
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
- polymer cage cracking or softening after sustained running above 120 °C or with incompatible lubricant
- surface distress (micro-pitting) when the EHL film falls below the composite roughness at high specific load
- edge-loading fatigue after shaft deflection beyond the 3–4 minute alignment limit
- false brinelling on standby machines exposed to external vibration
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 3 (medium-section ISO 15 envelope) envelope is shared with the N/NU/NJ/NUP executions of 338, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 338 ECM and do not substitute rib styles without checking the shaft locating scheme.
- Catalogue reference and limiting speeds are different criteria: observe the mechanical ceiling even when thermal calculations allow more.
- Press-fit force goes through ring faces only; driving a ring home through the rollers brinells the 400 mm raceway.
- The 1140/1500 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 (2018) values for the ECM 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 NU338-ECM?
SKF NU 338 ECM is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 190 mm bore, 400 mm OD and 78 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 1140 kN, C0 1500 kN, Pu 143 kN, reference speed 1,500 r/min and limiting speed 2,000 r/min, mass about 50000 g.
What does the NU designation and ECM suffix mean?
The ECM 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 NU338-ECM 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 NU338-ECM 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.