32218-DF bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 32218-DF is a ISO 355 radial bearing sized 90 x 160 x 85 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 90 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 160 mm |
| Width B | 85 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 529 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 680 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 76.5 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 2600 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 4000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 6850 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF 32218/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 | 3.543 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 6.299 in |
| Width B | 3.346 in |
| ISO bore code | 18 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 35 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) | 14 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest matched-df-series size | 65 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32218 | FAG | verify Commonly quoted cross reference; confirm against the target catalog before ordering. | Model-number interchange per ISO 15; confirm dimensions, sealing and ratings in the supplier catalogue. |
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 32218-DF model number is decoded
32218-DF 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.The code breaks down as base bearing 32218 plus matched-set suffix /DF: two bearings of the 90 mm bore size, paired face-to-face (X) matched pair, with the 85 mm overall width spanning the whole arrangement. 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 85 mm overall width of 32218-DF is the axial space the pair occupies. Speed planning for the set uses the catalogue pair values: 2,600 r/min thermal reference and 4,000 r/min mechanical limiting speed — a matched pair runs warmer than one bearing because two roller sets share the 85 mm space. Material and manufacturing detail: the 6850 g catalogue mass reflects through-hardened bearing steel machined to the listed envelope; ring roundness and width tolerance keep the mounted-setting scatter inside the catalogue class. Setting note for 32218-DF: the axial clearance is set at the factory by selective spacer grinding for the /DF execution; in service, re-checking end play after the first thermal cycle catches seating relaxation before it becomes roller skid. A matched /DF set needs no setting adjustment at mounting: the clearance is built in; the assembler's job is clean seats, correct fits (k5 on a 90 mm rotating shaft) and square abutments.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- construction machinery drives
- marine deck machinery shafts
- heavy industrial gearboxes and speed reducers
- construction machinery drives
Known failure patterns
- preload loss as the mounted pair relaxes, letting rollers skid and smear the raceways
- axial overload spalling at the roller-rib contact beyond the single-row thrust rating
- cage pocket scoring when the bearing starts cold with grease of too-high base-oil viscosity
- mounting score marks when the cone is cocked over the shaft keyway or a burr
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling after the rated L10 life is exceeded
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Clamp the 32218-DF pair axially through the cones, never through the rollers; pressing force across the roller complement brinells the raceways of both bearings at once.
- Clamp the 32218-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 32218-DF concentrates reversing thrust on one bearing and shows up as one-sided raceway wear.
- The 529/680 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 32218/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 32218-DF?
The SKF 32218/DF is a matched pair of single-row tapered roller bearings in face-to-face (X) matched pair arrangement with 90 mm bore, 160 mm outer diameter and 85 mm overall width (3.543 × 6.299 × 3.346 in). From SKF catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000: basic dynamic load rating C 529 kN, C0 680 kN, fatigue load limit Pu 76.5 kN, reference speed 2,600 r/min, limiting speed 4,000 r/min, mass about 6.85 kg.
What does the /DF suffix on 32218-DF mean?
The base 32218 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 32218-DF for one bearing or the pair?
They are for the complete matched pair: C 529 kN dynamic and C0 680 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 32218 table values.
Can 32218-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 (k5 on a rotating 90 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 90 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.