What are needle roller bearings?

Needle roller bearings are types of cylindrical roller bearings featuring comparatively longer cylindrical rollers. Unlike the standard length of fewer than 3 times the diameter of normal cylindrical roller bearings, the needle roller variant is 3 to 10 times their diameter in length. The long and thin cylindrical rollers of needle roller bearings enable more robust support of heavier radial loads.  

Types

Bearings featuring a needle-like cylindrical roller are available in different types, the most common of which include:

Drawn cup needle roller bearings

These types of needle roller bearings are the most common types, featuring a deep yet thin-walled outer ring. They can ideally fit over a shaft and provide a smoother operation.

Roller and cage assemblies

These types of bearings possess needle rollers within a cage or a retainer, devoid of any bearing rings. They are capable of carrying high loads.

Needle roller bearings with machined rings

These types of needle roller bearings come in two types, one featuring inner rings and one without any inner rings. Regardless of the presence of the inner rings, needle roller bearings with machined rings are best suited for applications that require higher loads.

Importance of needle roller bearings

Needle roller bearings are important roller elements with a bunch of unique benefits. For instance, bearings with needle rollers possess a greater surface area than ordinary roller bearings or ball bearings, which allows them to accommodate higher loads. Their thinner structure provides them with a low cross-section that makes them exceptionally suitable for applications that have limited radial space. Due to these benefits, needle roller bearings are usually used in automobile components such as compressors, transmissions, pumps, and rocker arm pivots.