NKI30-20-TV-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 NKI30-20-TV-XL model number is decoded

envelope 30×45×20 mm: 30 mm bore accepts a normal-tolerance machined shaft via the integral inner ring, with a thin 7.5 mm radial section packed with small-diameter needle rollers C is 31 kN and C0 48.5 kN at the 30 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.64 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 45 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 8.6 kN, the limiting speed 12,900 r/min and the thermal reference speed 6,800 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 1.03 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 1.55 kN/mm — the reason 20 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 108 g, just 0.12 g per mm² of projected 45×20 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages the 30 mm bore falls in the small band, the workhorse size for gearbox planetary positions, hydraulic pumps and general cam and linkage duty Reading the NKI prefix: machined-ring needle bearing with inner ring, one roller row, capable of pure radial load at 31 kN C 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 12,900 r/min limit. The -TV suffix specifies a glass-fibre reinforced polyamide 66 window-type cage; it spaces the rollers for low friction and is the reason the limiting speed can reach 12,900 r/min. Typical applications include small electric motor accessory drives, rocker arms and valve trains and planetary gear bearings, where the 45 mm outside diameter and 31 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In small electric motor accessory drives the unit fits a compact 30 mm seat, and in rocker arms and valve trains the 108 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for planetary gear bearings, relying on the 20 mm width and the published 48.5 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. 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

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