NKI15-16-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 NKI15-16-XL model number is decoded

envelope 15×27×16 mm: 15 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 14.7 kN and C0 17.4 kN at the 15 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.84 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 27 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 3.25 kN, the limiting speed 21,600 r/min and the thermal reference speed 12,400 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 0.98 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 0.92 kN/mm — the reason 16 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 38.8 g, just 0.09 g per mm² of projected 27×16 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages the 15 mm bore falls in the small band, the workhorse size for gearbox planetary positions, hydraulic pumps and general cam and linkage duty The inner ring is separable, so the outer-ring/roller assembly can be pressed into the housing first; the 17.4 kN C0 rating still assumes full rigid support under both rings As an X-life (-XL) bearing it benefits from the optimised surface finish that reduces friction and raises the fatigue strength behind the 3.25 kN Cur value. Typical applications include agricultural machine pivots and linkages, hydraulic and pneumatic pump eccentrics and textile machine heald and cam shafts, where the 27 mm outside diameter and 14.7 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In agricultural machine pivots and linkages the unit fits a compact 15 mm seat, and in hydraulic and pneumatic pump eccentrics the 38.8 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for textile machine heald and cam shafts, relying on the 16 mm width and the published 17.4 kN static rating. 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. On reciprocating duty ensure the stroke rotates the full needle set, or brinelling occurs at the same roller positions.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

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