Need a replacement bearing but the original part number is obsolete, or you want to switch brands? A bearing cross reference maps one manufacturer's part number to its equivalents from SKF, Timken, NSK, NTN, and FAG. Here's how cross-referencing works — plus a starter chart for the most common sizes, linked to our in-stock NOS.
How bearing cross references work
Most bearing part numbers follow international standards (ISO, ABMA). A 6311 deep groove ball bearing is 55 × 120 × 29 mm no matter who makes it — SKF, NSK, NTN, or FAG. The core number (6311) is universal; the prefixes and suffixes describe the brand's internal variants: clearance (C3), seals (2RS, 2Z), cage design (JEM, E, TVP).
So cross-referencing is usually straightforward on the core number. The tricky part is matching the suffixes — a 6311-2RS1 (rubber sealed) isn't the same as a 6311/C3 (open, greater clearance) even though both are "6311".
Quick cross reference: popular deep groove ball bearings
| Core No. | Size (mm) | SKF | NSK | NTN | FAG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6305 | 25 × 62 × 17 | 6305 | 6305DDU | 6305LLU | 6305-2RSR |
| 6308 | 40 × 90 × 23 | 6308 / 6308-2Z | 6308ZZ | 6308ZZ | 6308-2ZR |
| 6311 | 55 × 120 × 29 | 6311 / 6311-2RS1 / 6311/C3 | 6311DDU | 6311LLU | 6311-2RSR |
| 6014 | 70 × 110 × 20 | 6014-2RS | 6014DDU | 6014LLU | 6014-2RSR |
Note: suffixes vary by generation and plant — always confirm seals, clearance, and precision class before substituting.
Spherical roller bearings
Our best-selling spherical roller is the SKF 22210 EK Explorer — a common crossed part in gearboxes and conveyors. The 22210 core crosses across all major brands; match the EK (tapered bore) vs E (cylindrical bore) suffix to your shaft.
Tapered roller bearings: cross-referencing cone and cup
Tapered sets cross differently — they're sold as a cone (inner) + cup (outer) pair. A Timken 25590/25520 set crosses to the same boundary dimensions in other brands, but the individual cone/cup numbers are Timken-specific (they invented the system). When crossing tapered bearings, match the set dimensions: bore, outer diameter, and width.
When cross references lie
- Suffix mismatch: C3 clearance vs standard (CN) — in electric motors, the wrong clearance kills the bearing. See our SKF 6311 C3 vs standard 6311.
- Seal type: 2RS (rubber) vs 2Z (metal shield) — different speed and contamination ratings.
- Precision class: P5/P6 vs standard — matters in spindles and precision equipment.
- Counterfeits: a "crossed" part from a shady seller might not be the brand on the box at all.
Get the right bearing the first time
At RomTex Bearing & Supply, we cross-reference daily — send us your part number (any brand) and we'll match it to genuine NOS stock: SKF, Timken, NSK, FAG, NTN. Search our inventory or contact us with your number.