NKI5-12-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 NKI5-12-TV-XL model number is decoded

envelope 5×15×12 mm: 5 mm bore accepts a normal-tolerance machined shaft via the integral inner ring, with a thin 5.0 mm radial section packed with small-diameter needle rollers C is 4.45 kN and C0 4.1 kN at the 5 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 1.09 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 15 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 0.7 kN, the limiting speed 32,500 r/min and the thermal reference speed 32,500 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 0.37 kN/mm — the reason 12 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 11.5 g, just 0.06 g per mm² of projected 15×12 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages 5 mm bore and only 11.5 g: the smallest sizes demand accurate shaft geometry, because the 5.0 mm section leaves no tolerance for a soft or tapered seat The inner ring is separable, so the outer-ring/roller assembly can be pressed into the housing first; the 4.1 kN C0 rating still assumes full rigid support under both rings The 5.0 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 The -XL suffix marks the X-life execution: refined raceway topography and upgraded materials lift the basic ratings versus the non-X-life bearing at the same 5×15×12 mm envelope. The -TV cage is part of the speed story here: cage-guided kinematics permit the published 32,500 r/min limiting speed without roller-to-roller sliding. Typical applications include connecting-rod small ends, textile machine heald and cam shafts and motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions, where the 15 mm outside diameter and 4.45 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In connecting-rod small ends the unit fits a compact 5 mm seat, and in textile machine heald and cam shafts the 11.5 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions, relying on the 12 mm width and the published 4.1 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.