NAO20X37X16-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 NAO20X37X16-XL model number is decoded

envelope 20×37×16 mm: 20 mm bore accepts a normal-tolerance machined shaft via the integral inner ring, with a thin 8.5 mm radial section packed with small-diameter needle rollers C is 23.5 kN and C0 27.5 kN at the 20 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.85 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 37 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 4.65 kN, the limiting speed 17,200 r/min and the thermal reference speed 9,100 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 1.18 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 1.47 kN/mm — the reason 16 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 82 g, just 0.14 g per mm² of projected 37×16 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages with a 20 mm bore the 16 mm width and 23.5 kN C rating suit high-cycle industrial machinery rather than instrument duty The single needle row fills the thin section, with limiting speed 17,200 r/min and reference speed 9,100 r/min With the inner ring fitted the shaft seat stays at normal bearing-shaft tolerance; C0 is 27.5 kN and Cur 4.65 kN for the 82 g unit The -XL suffix is the Schaeffler X-life mark: interchangeable envelope with the basic bearing, but higher load capacity and lower running temperature at the 17,200 r/min limit. Typical applications include textile machine heald and cam shafts, agricultural machine pivots and linkages and connecting-rod small ends, where the 37 mm outside diameter and 23.5 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In textile machine heald and cam shafts the unit fits a compact 20 mm seat, and in agricultural machine pivots and linkages the 82 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for connecting-rod small ends, relying on the 16 mm width and the published 27.5 kN static rating. On reciprocating duty ensure the stroke rotates the full needle set, or brinelling occurs at the same roller positions. 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.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• On reciprocating duty ensure the stroke rotates the full needle set, or brinelling occurs at the same roller positions.
• 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.
• 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.