NKXR15-Z bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NKXR15-Z is a DIN 616 radial bearing sized 15 x 24 x 23 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 15 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 24 mm |
| Width B | 23 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | none |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 11 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 14 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 1.66 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 4300 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 8500 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 45 g |
| Manufacturer designation | NKXR 15 Z |
| Standard | DIN 616 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 7.10 needle roller / cylindrical-needle thrust |
| Last verified | 2026-09-26 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 7.10 needle roller / cylindrical-needle thrust) · extracted 2026-09-26
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 7.10 needle roller / cylindrical-needle thrust); SKF® and SKF Explorer® are trademarks of AB SKF, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized SKF distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at skf.com.
Dimensions in inches & NKXR-series range
| Bore d | 0.591 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 0.945 in |
| Width B | 0.906 in |
| ISO bore code | — |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 4.5 mm |
| Smallest bore in NKXR-series | 15 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NKXR-series | 62 mm |
| Width range across NKXR-series | 23–35 mm |
| Bore position in NKXR-series (smallest first) | 1 of 9 |
| Bore above smallest NKXR-series size | 0 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| NKXR15 | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same 15×24×23 mm envelope and equivalent catalogue ratings; NKXR15 is the combined needle/thrust needle execution — boundary-dimension interchangeable, execution differences (seals, shields, cage) apply. |
| NKX15-Z | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Envelope-identical (15×24×23 mm) combined needle/thrust ball execution with ratings within 10 % — substitution possible after checking ring/flange construction. |
| NKX15 | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Envelope-identical (15×24×23 mm) combined needle/thrust ball execution with ratings within 10 % — substitution possible after checking ring/flange construction. |
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 NKXR15-Z model number is decoded
In SKF catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000, NKXR 15 Z denotes a combined bearing with needle roller radial part and full complement thrust needle part for one-direction axial loads at slow to moderate speed. In SKF nomenclature NKXR is the highest-capacity combined family: 15 mm shaft seat, packed thrust needles above the radial cage, axial rating 11.2 kN (Ca) dynamic. Execution notes: the Z suffix shields the thrust needle set; the full complement part delivers the highest axial rating in the family but needs the minimum axial load (factor A 0.000058) to prevent needle skidding. Axial capability is one-direction: size the arrangement so working thrust pushes the thrust-washer face, and provide a mirrored unit or separate bearing for load reversals. These units run at low speed with high axial load: verify lubricant channeling at the washer faces after the first hour, as the packed thrust set pumps grease axially out of the 23 mm tall envelope.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- press-fit die set guide positions
- heavy screw presses and clamping spindles
- crane slew rings and kingposts at low speed
- extruder and mixer thrust positions
Known failure patterns
- needle edge loading and raceway denting when the shaft deflects beyond the compensation range
- cage pocket wear and roller skew after sustained operation with too little radial preload
- grease starvation at the roller ends when relubrication intervals are stretched in dirty duty
- electrical erosion on VFD-driven shafts without brush or insulated mounting
- thrust-part ball or roller skidding and smearing when the axial load falls below the minimum factor
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- On a 15 mm seat the housing bore quality dominates life: a bore 0.02 mm out of round pinches the 24 mm ring or cup into a lobed shape, and the rollers then trace the housing's geometry error, not the design load.
- Reference and limiting speeds are different limits: the 4,300 r/min reference is the thermal criterion under load, The limiting value is mechanical; the reference value is thermal under load, and grease choice moves it substantially.
- Hardness is load capacity: in families without an inner ring the 15 mm journal must hold 58–64 HRC with a ground finish; a surface that looks fine but sits at 45 HRC will rib the raceway within weeks.
- Do not treat the axial rating 11.2 kN (Ca) as independent of radial load: the combined equivalent load formulas couple them, and a unit sized on radial life alone will spall the ball raceway first under real thrust.
- The thrust part is one-direction: reverse axial events — however brief — lift the rolling elements off the raceway, and the subsequent re-entry impact dents the washer face; mount the NKXR 15 Z facing the working thrust.
- The 11/14 kN ratings and 45 g mass are SKF catalogue values transcribed from ch. 7.10 of PUB BU/P1 17000 (PDF table page 660); combined-type axial ratings appear in the text above because the structured record carries radial values only.
Frequently asked questions
What does NKXR 15 Z mean in SKF part numbering?
NKXR = needle roller radial part + full complement needle thrust part for a 15 mm shaft: 24 mm OD, 23 mm overall height, the highest axial rating of the combined needle families.
Does the NKXR 15 Z need a hardened and ground shaft?
The radial needle part of the NKXR 15 Z runs directly on the 15 mm journal — harden to 58–64 HRC and grind it. The thrust washers are integral, so no separate inner ring exists; size the shaft for the raceway tolerances in the catalogue table.
What mounting mistakes ruin a NKXR 15 Z?
Press on the ring faces only with a fitting sleeve, keep everything square to the 15 mm seat, and never transmit force through the rolling elements. Follow the catalogue's seat tolerances — the narrow needle contact forgives neither tilt nor burrs.
Is the NKXR 15 Z sealed?
No — this execution is open and depends on the housing sealing arrangement; grease it at assembly and keep the relubrication interval short in dirty duty.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 7.10 needle roller / cylindrical-needle thrust on 2026-09-26. Read our editorial & correction policy.