NKI17-16-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 NKI17-16-XL model number is decoded

envelope 17×29×16 mm: 17 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 15.2 kN and C0 18.7 kN at the 17 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.81 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 29 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 3.5 kN, the limiting speed 20,600 r/min and the thermal reference speed 11,400 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 0.89 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 0.95 kN/mm — the reason 16 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 42.4 g, just 0.09 g per mm² of projected 29×16 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages with a 17 mm bore the 16 mm width and 15.2 kN C rating suit high-cycle industrial machinery rather than instrument duty Reading the NKI prefix: machined-ring needle bearing with inner ring, one roller row, capable of pure radial load at 15.2 kN C The integral inner ring brings the bore to 17 mm inside the 29×16 mm envelope; removing that ring gives the corresponding RNA/NK execution and a larger shaft for the same housing As an X-life (-XL) bearing it benefits from the optimised surface finish that reduces friction and raises the fatigue strength behind the 3.5 kN Cur value. Typical applications include gearbox selector and change linkages, planetary gear bearings and copying and printing machine mechanisms, where the 29 mm outside diameter and 15.2 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In gearbox selector and change linkages the unit fits a compact 17 mm seat, and in planetary gear bearings the 42.4 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for copying and printing machine mechanisms, relying on the 16 mm width and the published 18.7 kN static rating. On reciprocating duty ensure the stroke rotates the full needle set, or brinelling occurs at the same roller positions. Keep the specified radial clearance; an oversized shaft or heavy interference removes it and the needles bind hot immediately.

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.
• Keep the specified radial clearance; an oversized shaft or heavy interference removes it and the needles bind hot immediately.
• Needle bearings are pure-radial units — any thrust must be taken by separate washers or an adjacent bearing, especially on flangeless RNAO/NAO.