NA6901-XL bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

Specification table

Source: catalog reference (HR1 2026-09-25) · extracted 2026-09-30

Parameters extracted from the official FAG Rolling Bearings catalogue (HR1 2026-09-25); FAG® is a trademark of Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized FAG/Schaeffler distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at schaeffler.com.

Cross references & equivalents

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 NA6901-XL model number is decoded

envelope 12×24×22 mm: 12 mm bore accepts a normal-tolerance machined shaft via the integral inner ring, with a thin 6.0 mm radial section packed with small-diameter needle rollers C is 18.1 kN and C0 21.6 kN at the 12 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.84 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 24 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 3.85 kN, the limiting speed 23,200 r/min and the thermal reference speed 13,300 r/min; for small needle bearings the reference speed can exceed the kinematic limit, so the lower of the two governs the application dynamic capacity per millimetre of bore is 1.51 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 0.82 kN/mm — the reason 22 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 46 g, just 0.09 g per mm² of projected 24×22 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages the 12 mm bore sits in the miniature band; at 22 mm wide the NA6901-XL is built into compact cam drives, indexing pawls and light linkages The 6.0 mm section still holds a full needle pack; like all needle bearings it cannot tolerate angular misalignment, so shaft and housing axes must be parallel The integral inner ring brings the bore to 12 mm inside the 24×22 mm envelope; removing that ring gives the corresponding RNA/NK execution and a larger shaft for the same housing The -XL suffix marks the X-life execution: refined raceway topography and upgraded materials lift the basic ratings versus the non-X-life bearing at the same 12×24×22 mm envelope. Typical applications include rocker arms and valve trains, two-stroke and compressor piston pins and small electric motor accessory drives, where the 24 mm outside diameter and 18.1 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In rocker arms and valve trains the unit fits a compact 12 mm seat, and in two-stroke and compressor piston pins the 46 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for small electric motor accessory drives, relying on the 22 mm width and the published 21.6 kN static rating. Adding an IR inner ring changes the envelope logic: the same outer assembly then fits a smaller shaft — recheck bore, clearance and ratings when substituting. Needle bearings are pure-radial units — any thrust must be taken by separate washers or an adjacent bearing, especially on flangeless RNAO/NAO.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Adding an IR inner ring changes the envelope logic: the same outer assembly then fits a smaller shaft — recheck bore, clearance and ratings when substituting.
• Needle bearings are pure-radial units — any thrust must be taken by separate washers or an adjacent bearing, especially on flangeless RNAO/NAO.
• Do not press an RNA/NK assembly in through the outer ring when mounting it on a shaft, and vice versa — rolling forces through the wrong ring bruises the raceways.