32038X-DF bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 32038X-DF is a ISO 355 radial bearing sized 190 x 290 x 128 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 190 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 290 mm |
| Width B | 128 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 1381 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 2400 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 224 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 1300 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 30500 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF 32038 X/DF |
| Standard | ISO 355 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 8.3-8.8 TRB variants |
| Last verified | 2026-09-29 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 8.3-8.8 TRB variants) · extracted 2026-09-29
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 8.3-8.8 TRB variants); 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 & matched-df-series range
| Bore d | 7.48 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 11.417 in |
| Width B | 5.039 in |
| ISO bore code | — |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 50 mm |
| Smallest bore in matched-df-series | 25 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in matched-df-series | 540 mm |
| Width range across matched-df-series | 34.5–280 mm |
| Bore position in matched-df-series (smallest first) | 26 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest matched-df-series size | 165 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32038X | ISO 15 | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | ISO 15 boundary-dimension envelope; brand-specific OEM equivalents (NSK/FAG/NTN) pending multi-source data. |
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 32038X-DF model number is decoded
The C0/C balance of the pair is about 1.74; combined with the 224 kN fatigue limit this frames a set sized for reversing combined load on a 190 mm shaft rather than for pure radial duty. Journal and housing interface: the 190 mm bore takes a m6 shaft seat and the 290 mm outside diameter pairs with an H7 housing bore; the 128 mm width defines shoulder depth and the 30500 g mass is the dead load in thermal-growth calculations. Mounting order matters for 32038X-DF: seat the first bearing, fit the ground spacer, then the second bearing, and clamp axially as a unit — the 128 mm catalogue width is the assembled result and the gauge for correct assembly. Do not separate 32038X-DF into single-bearing service stock — as individual bearings the components are not interchangeable with catalogue single-row executions because the rings are ground for the set.SKF 32038 X/DF belongs to the SKF matched tapered-roller range — the 190 mm bore entry in face-to-face (X) matched pair arrangement, dimensioned 290 mm OD and 128 mm overall width for the pair.Digit by digit, 32038X-DF reads as the ISO 355 base bearing 32038 X supplied as a face-to-face (X) matched pair matched pair (/DF); the 190 mm bore and 290 mm OD are per-bearing, the 128 mm width is for the set. Face-to-face matching puts the small rib ends outward, so the pressure cones cross inside the pair; 32038X-DF therefore runs cooler where the shaft expands axially, at the price of lower moment stiffness than an O-arrangement of the same 190 mm bore.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- marine propulsion gearboxes
- large industrial mixer shafts
- offshore winch and drawworks drums
- wind-turbine main shafts
Known failure patterns
- uneven load sharing in a pair when spacer faces are not parallel to the bore
- preload loss as the mounted pair relaxes, letting rollers skid and smear the raceways
- cage pocket scoring when the bearing starts cold with grease of too-high base-oil viscosity
- edge loading from shaft deflection or housing misalignment
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling after the rated L10 life is exceeded
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Clamp the 32038X-DF pair axially through the cones, never through the rollers; pressing force across the roller complement brinells the raceways of both bearings at once.
- Spacer faces must stay parallel within the set's own tolerance; a tilted spacer in 32038X-DF concentrates reversing thrust on one bearing and shows up as one-sided raceway wear.
- Clamp the 32038X-DF pair axially through the cones, never through the rollers; pressing force across the roller complement brinells the raceways of both bearings at once.
- The 1381/2400 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 values for this execution; SKF can revise internal geometry without changing the order number, so keep the catalogue version (PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN, 2018) with the specification.
- Quote the full SKF 32038 X/DF designation when purchasing — base-number-only orders are ambiguous across executions and variants.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions and catalogue data of 32038X-DF?
The SKF 32038 X/DF is a matched pair of single-row tapered roller bearings in face-to-face (X) matched pair arrangement with 190 mm bore, 290 mm outer diameter and 128 mm overall width (7.48 × 11.417 × 5.039 in). From SKF catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000: basic dynamic load rating C 1381 kN, C0 2400 kN, fatigue load limit Pu 224 kN, reference speed 1,300 r/min, limiting speed 2,000 r/min, mass about 30.50 kg.
What does the /DF suffix on 32038X-DF mean?
The base 32038 X is the ISO 355 single-row bearing; the /DF suffix marks the matched-set execution — the arrangement (face-to-face (X)), the ground spacer and the factory-set axial clearance class. A matched set cannot be assembled from loose single bearings; quote the full designation when ordering.
Are the C and C0 ratings of 32038X-DF for one bearing or the pair?
They are for the complete matched pair: C 1381 kN dynamic and C0 2400 kN static already include load sharing between the two bearings. Do not halve them for single-bearing checks, and do not compare them directly with the single-row 32038 X table values.
Can 32038X-DF be adjusted like two loose tapered bearings?
No — the axial clearance is set at the factory by selective spacer grinding. Mounting work is limited to clean seats, correct fits (m6 on a rotating 190 mm shaft) and axial clamping through the cones; re-setting in the field destroys the matched clearance class.
When should a face-to-face (X) matched set be chosen?
Choose the face-to-face (X) set where the shaft grows thermally or alignment is imperfect — the converging load lines tolerate deflection. It is the default choice for wheel hubs and general gearbox shafts at the 190 mm bore.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 8.3-8.8 TRB variants on 2026-09-29. Read our editorial & correction policy.