NKI9-16-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 NKI9-16-XL model number is decoded

envelope 9×19×16 mm: 9 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 10.1 kN and C0 11 kN at the 9 mm seat; the C/C0 ratio of 0.92 is characteristic of a needle bearing — high static rating relative to dynamic in a compact 19 mm outside diameter the fatigue load limit Cur is 1.95 kN, the limiting speed 26,500 r/min and the thermal reference speed 19,500 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 1.12 kN/mm and per millimetre of width 0.63 kN/mm — the reason 16 mm-wide needle bearings routinely replace much larger ball or roller positions mass is 21.9 g, just 0.07 g per mm² of projected 19×16 mm envelope, which keeps unbalanced forces low in fast-actuating linkages the 9 mm bore sits in the miniature band; at 16 mm wide the NKI9/16-XL is built into compact cam drives, indexing pawls and light linkages 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 inner ring is separable, so the outer-ring/roller assembly can be pressed into the housing first; the 11 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 10.1 kN C rating and longer nominal life come without an envelope change. Typical applications include motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions, connecting-rod small ends and two-stroke and compressor piston pins, where the 19 mm outside diameter and 10.1 kN dynamic rating match the duty. In motorcycle and light-vehicle transmissions the unit fits a compact 9 mm seat, and in connecting-rod small ends the 21.9 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 11 kN static rating. Needle bearings are pure-radial units — any thrust must be taken by separate washers or an adjacent bearing, especially on flangeless RNAO/NAO. 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.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Needle bearings are pure-radial units — any thrust must be taken by separate washers or an adjacent bearing, especially on flangeless RNAO/NAO.
• 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.
• On reciprocating duty ensure the stroke rotates the full needle set, or brinelling occurs at the same roller positions.