32038X-L4BDF bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 32038X-L4BDF 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/L4BDF |
| 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-L4BDF model number is decoded
Speed planning for the set uses the catalogue pair values: 1,300 r/min thermal reference and 2,000 r/min mechanical limiting speed — a matched pair runs warmer than one bearing because two roller sets share the 128 mm space. Assembly datum check: verify the 128 mm width against the drawing before clamping — the width is the assembled result and the quickest field check that the correct execution of 32038X-L4BDF is on the shaft. Setting note for 32038X-L4BDF: the axial clearance is set at the factory by selective spacer grinding for the /L4BDF execution; in service, re-checking end play after the first thermal cycle catches seating relaxation before it becomes roller skid. The rotating cones of 32038X-L4BDF take a m6 seat on the 190 mm shaft; the cups are a transition-to-loose fit so the pair can be clamped to its factory setting during assembly.32038X-L4BDF is a matched pair of single-row tapered roller bearings arranged face-to-face (X) matched pair, supplied by SKF in SKF catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000 as one factory-set unit: the two bearings, spacers and setting are matched together and must not be mixed with other sets.Reading the designation: 32038 X is the ISO 355 single-row base bearing (190 mm bore), and the suffix /L4BDF marks the matched-set execution — arrangement, spacer grinding and factory clearance class. The pair envelope is 190×290×128 mm; the width covers both bearings of the set. In the face-to-face (X) arrangement the load lines of the two bearings converge toward the shaft axis: the set tolerates shaft deflection and thermal growth better than a back-to-back pair, but is less stiff against overturning moments. The 128 mm overall width of 32038X-L4BDF is the axial space the pair occupies.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- large industrial mixer shafts
- offshore winch and drawworks drums
- rolling-mill roll-neck bearings
- marine propulsion gearboxes
Known failure patterns
- uneven load sharing in a pair when spacer faces are not parallel to the bore
- thermal preload runaway in an O-arrangement pair when inner-ring heat expands the setting
- pressed-steel cage wear or fracture after prolonged running above the limiting speed
- brinelling from pressing the cone or cup home through the rollers
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling after the rated L10 life is exceeded
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- A matched /L4BDF set is ground as one system: never separate the two bearings of 32038X-L4BDF or swap the spacer — the factory clearance is lost the moment the set is broken.
- Clamp the 32038X-L4BDF pair axially through the cones, never through the rollers; pressing force across the roller complement brinells the raceways of both bearings at once.
- A matched /L4BDF set is ground as one system: never separate the two bearings of 32038X-L4BDF or swap the spacer — the factory clearance is lost the moment the set is broken.
- 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/L4BDF 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-L4BDF?
The SKF 32038 X/L4BDF 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 /L4BDF suffix on 32038X-L4BDF mean?
The base 32038 X is the ISO 355 single-row bearing; the /L4BDF 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-L4BDF 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-L4BDF 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.