NKI10-20-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 NKI10-20-XL model number is decoded

envelope 10×22×20 mm: 10 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 14.5 kN and C0 15.6 kN at the 10 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.93 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 22 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 2.75 kN, the limiting speed 24,600 r/min and the thermal reference speed 16,100 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 1.45 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 0.72 kN/mm — the reason 20 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 37.1 g, just 0.08 g per mm² of projected 22×20 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages the 10 mm bore sits in the miniature band; at 20 mm wide the NKI10/20-XL is built into compact cam drives, indexing pawls and light linkages This is the choice for OEM production on soft shafts: machine the 10 mm seat to the recommended tolerance, fit the bearing, and let the inner ring provide the precision raceway 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 As an X-life (-XL) bearing it benefits from the optimised surface finish that reduces friction and raises the fatigue strength behind the 2.75 kN Cur value. Typical applications include motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions, connecting-rod small ends and two-stroke and compressor piston pins, where the 22 mm outside diameter and 14.5 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions the unit fits a compact 10 mm seat, and in connecting-rod small ends the 37.1 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for two-stroke and compressor piston pins, relying on the 20 mm width and the published 15.6 kN static rating. Open ends draw contamination directly onto the needles; specify sealed or shielded positions in dusty environments rather than relying on grease alone. 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.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Open ends draw contamination directly onto the needles; specify sealed or shielded positions in dusty environments rather than relying on grease alone.
• 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.
• Keep the specified radial clearance; an oversized shaft or heavy interference removes it and the needles bind hot immediately.