32972-DF bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 32972-DF is a ISO 355 radial bearing sized 360 x 480 x 152 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 360 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 480 mm |
| Width B | 152 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 2043 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 5100 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 405 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 670 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 1100 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 302000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF 32972/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 | 14.173 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 18.898 in |
| Width B | 5.984 in |
| ISO bore code | 72 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 60 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) | 35 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest matched-df-series size | 335 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32972 | 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 32972-DF model number is decoded
The SKF 32972/DF is a 360×480×152 mm matched tapered-roller set — two single-row bearings in face-to-face (X) matched pair arrangement, ground and shipped together with the axial clearance fixed at the factory.On the SKF nameplate, 32972-DF reads as base 32972 in a /DF matched execution — the suffix is part of the order number because a matched set is ground for a specific axial clearance and cannot be assembled from loose single bearings. Face-to-face matching puts the small rib ends outward, so the pressure cones cross inside the pair; 32972-DF therefore runs cooler where the shaft expands axially, at the price of lower moment stiffness than an O-arrangement of the same 360 mm bore. Speed planning for the set uses the catalogue pair values: 670 r/min thermal reference and 1,100 r/min mechanical limiting speed — a matched pair runs warmer than one bearing because two roller sets share the 152 mm space. Material and manufacturing detail: the 302000 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 32972-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. The rotating cones of 32972-DF take a m6 seat on the 360 mm shaft; the cups are a transition-to-loose fit so the pair can be clamped to its factory setting during assembly.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- heavy-duty rolling-mill gearboxes
- large crusher and mineral-processing drives
- wind-turbine main shafts
- heavy-duty rolling-mill gearboxes
Known failure patterns
- preload loss as the mounted pair relaxes, letting rollers skid and smear the raceways
- 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
- hard-particle indentation of the tapered raceway in unfiltered oil
- mounting score marks when the cone is cocked over the shaft keyway or a burr
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Spacer faces must stay parallel within the set's own tolerance; a tilted spacer in 32972-DF concentrates reversing thrust on one bearing and shows up as one-sided raceway wear.
- Spacer faces must stay parallel within the set's own tolerance; a tilted spacer in 32972-DF concentrates reversing thrust on one bearing and shows up as one-sided raceway wear.
- Clamp the 32972-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 2043/5100 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 32972/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 32972-DF?
The SKF 32972/DF is a matched pair of single-row tapered roller bearings in face-to-face (X) matched pair arrangement with 360 mm bore, 480 mm outer diameter and 152 mm overall width (14.173 × 18.898 × 5.984 in). From SKF catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000: basic dynamic load rating C 2043 kN, C0 5100 kN, fatigue load limit Pu 405 kN, reference speed 670 r/min, limiting speed 1,100 r/min, mass about 302.00 kg.
What does the /DF suffix on 32972-DF mean?
The base 32972 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 32972-DF for one bearing or the pair?
They are for the complete matched pair: C 2043 kN dynamic and C0 5100 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 32972 table values.
Can 32972-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 360 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 360 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.