NKI22-20-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 NKI22-20-XL model number is decoded

envelope 22×34×20 mm: 22 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 22 kN and C0 32 kN at the 22 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.69 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 34 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 5.7 kN, the limiting speed 17,200 r/min and the thermal reference speed 9,300 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 1.00 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 1.10 kN/mm — the reason 20 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 65.4 g, just 0.10 g per mm² of projected 34×20 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages with a 22 mm bore the 20 mm width and 22 kN C rating suit high-cycle industrial machinery rather than instrument duty NKI22/20-XL is supplied with a machined inner ring, so it mounts on an ordinary turned and ground shaft of normal tolerance — hardening the journal is not required The inner ring is separable, so the outer-ring/roller assembly can be pressed into the housing first; the 32 kN C0 rating still assumes full rigid support under both rings -XL means this is an X-life bearing — Schaeffler's upgraded performance level with smoother raceways, so the 22 kN C rating and longer nominal life come without an envelope change. Typical applications include connecting-rod small ends, textile machine heald and cam shafts and motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions, where the 34 mm outside diameter and 22 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In connecting-rod small ends the unit fits a compact 22 mm seat, and in textile machine heald and cam shafts the 65.4 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions, relying on the 20 mm width and the published 32 kN static rating. Without an inner ring the shaft is the raceway: 58–64 HRC and a ground, polished journal are mandatory, not recommendations. 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

• Without an inner ring the shaft is the raceway: 58–64 HRC and a ground, polished journal are mandatory, not recommendations.
• 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.