NKI5-16-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 NKI5-16-TV-XL model number is decoded

envelope 5×15×16 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 5.8 kN and C0 5.8 kN at the 5 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 1.00 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 0.99 kN, the limiting speed 32,500 r/min and the thermal reference speed 32,000 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 1.16 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 0.36 kN/mm — the reason 16 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 15.3 g, just 0.06 g per mm² of projected 15×16 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages at 5 mm bore this is one of the smallest HR1 executions — chosen where a 15 mm envelope must carry line-contact loads that no miniature ball bearing could take NKI5/16-TV-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 Reading the NKI prefix: machined-ring needle bearing with inner ring, one roller row, capable of pure radial load at 5.8 kN C -XL means this is an X-life bearing — Schaeffler's upgraded performance level with smoother raceways, so the 5.8 kN C rating and longer nominal life come without an envelope change. 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 motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions, connecting-rod small ends and two-stroke and compressor piston pins, where the 15 mm outside diameter and 5.8 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions the unit fits a compact 5 mm seat, and in connecting-rod small ends the 15.3 g mass keeps unbalanced forces low in fast linkages. Designers also specify it for two-stroke and compressor piston pins, relying on the 16 mm width and the published 5.8 kN static rating. 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. Without an inner ring the shaft is the raceway: 58–64 HRC and a ground, polished journal are mandatory, not recommendations.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• 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.
• Without an inner ring the shaft is the raceway: 58–64 HRC and a ground, polished journal are mandatory, not recommendations.
• Keep the specified radial clearance; an oversized shaft or heavy interference removes it and the needles bind hot immediately.