When you need to replace a bearing, finding the exact equivalent from another brand can be frustrating. Manufacturers use different coding systems, suffixes, internal clearances, and sometimes even measurement standards. That’s where bearing interchange tools come in handy—they allow you to cross-reference part numbers, decode suffixes, and locate suitable replacements across brands.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of 9 free and 1 paid tool you can use today to make your search faster, more accurate, and stress-free.
Schaeffler Medias Interchange (INA/FAG) * FREE
This powerful free online tool from Schaeffler is an indispensable resource for identifying equivalent bearings from their INA and FAG brands. It boasts a continuously updated database that becomes even smarter with every search performed by users, meaning an interchange request that yields no results today could very well be added in the coming weeks. The tool is particularly strong when cross-referencing European brands and Timken bearings.
Website: https://interchange.schaeffler.com/changeSearch.do
What makes it useful:
- Wildcard Search: Its valuable wildcard search function (using an * at the beginning, end, or both of your search term) is incredibly useful if you have a partial part number or want to explore all available options. For instance, searching for 22220E* will return all variations of the SKF Explorer spherical bearing, including different clearances and bore types. You could also try searching for 6205* to see various 6205 series bearings.
- Continually Updated: The database is constantly being updated with new information based on user searches.
- Strong on European & Timken Brands: Provides reliable interchanges for these manufacturers. If you have an FAG 22220-E1, this tool can help find its INA/FAG equivalent, such as FAG 22220-E1-XL. For a Timken 32210, it might suggest an FAG 32210A.
Considerations:
- While it efficiently handles basic linear interchanges (like converting an HSR45A to a KUVE45-B), it might not always provide detailed information on specific accuracies, preloads, or additional design features.
NTN Bearing Finder Online Catalog * FREE
The latest iteration of NTN’s online catalog features a significantly improved user interface, replacing their older “Parts Interchange Search” with a more intuitive “point and click” capability based on product type. This free tool offers a streamlined experience for Browse NTN’s extensive product line.
Website: https://bearingfinder.ntnamericas.com/
What makes it useful:
- Improved User Interface: Features an updated and easier-to-navigate design.
- Multiple Search Options: Allows you to search by item number, competitor part number, or keyword. For example, you can input a competitor part number like INA NATR12PP to find its NTN equivalent. You could also search for NTN 6205LLU by item number.
Considerations:
- It’s important to understand that while user-friendly, it’s not a true comprehensive interchange tool that compares multiple brands side-by-side.
- The competitor interchange functionality is somewhat limited to a few specific manufacturers and directly returns an NTN equivalent without extensive comparisons or alternative options.
Rexnord Bearing Interchange Guide * FREE
Primarily designed for the US market, this free interchange tool from Rexnord focuses on helping users find compatible Link-Belt or Rex housings.
Website: https://www.rexnord.com/resources/process-motion-control/bearing-interchange-guide
What makes it useful:
- Autocompleting Search Bar: Helps streamline the search process by suggesting matching manufacturer housings as you type. For instance, if you type SKF 22522, it will suggest relevant housings.
- Comprehensive Housing Data: Provides a comprehensive list of all dimensional Link-Belt or Rex housings that match your criteria. This could include options like Link-Belt PLB6863FR or Rex ZAD6315F.
- Impressive Manufacturer Data: Compiles a wide range of manufacturer data for housing options.
Considerations:
- This tool doesn’t exclusively identify direct one-to-one interchanges; you may need to exercise due diligence to pinpoint the most suitable option for your specific bearing, such as an SKF 22522.
AMI Bearings Interchange by Manufacturer (PDF) * FREE
Unlike dynamic online search tools, the AMI Bearings Interchange is a static PDF document, yet it serves as a highly detailed and valuable free resource. This 5-page guide is particularly comprehensive for mounted units and covers nearly every major manufacturer.
Website: https://catalog.amibearings.com/ImgCustom/1002/interchange.pdf
What makes it useful:
- Detailed Mounted Unit Resource: Provides clear interchanges for mounted units from a wide range of manufacturers. For example, you can find AMI equivalents for FYH UCP205 or SKF YAR205.
- Competes Against Low-Cost Brands: Offers interchanges to brands like INA, SKF, Timken, and Sealmaster.
Considerations:
- Given its static nature, users should be aware that the table might need periodic updates to include the very latest product releases (e.g., FAG Black Series Mounted Units).
Bosch RexRoth Ball Rail Manufacturer Interchange * FREE
Linear motion systems can often feel like learning a new language, as none of the major manufacturers share common terminology, even if their units are functionally interchangeable. This free Bosch RexRoth tool addresses this challenge directly.
Website: http://www13.boschrexroth-us.com/interchange/interchange.asp
What makes it useful:
- “Build-Your-Own” Part Number: Guides you through a process of “building” the part number by first selecting the manufacturer, then the specific series, and finally the size. For instance, you could select THK, then HSR series, and then input a size like HSR45A to find its RexRoth equivalent.
- Detailed Comparisons: Provides highly informative comparisons between the linear system you initially defined and the comparable RexRoth units.
- Automatic Load Rating Correction: Crucially adjusts load ratings for an accurate and equitable comparison, accounting for differences like Asian manufacturers’ 50km rating life versus the European ISO 100km standard.
NSK Bearing Finder Online Catalog * FREE
The NSK Bearing Finder is NSK’s official free online catalog and a robust resource for anyone working with their products. While its primary function is to provide detailed information on NSK’s extensive range of bearings, it also includes a valuable cross-reference functionality.
Website: https://www.oss.nsk.com/cross_reference/
What makes it useful:
- Official NSK Resource: Provides direct access to NSK’s product catalog and specifications.
- Cross-Reference Capability: Allows you to input a part number from a competitor, such as Schaeffler 6205-2RSR, and find the corresponding NSK equivalent like NSK 6205DDU.
NTN-SNR Bearing Finder Online Catalog * FREE
The NTN-SNR Bearing Finder is another comprehensive free online catalog provided by a major bearing manufacturer.
Website: https://eshop.ntn-snr.com/en/competitor
What makes it useful:
- Official NTN-SNR Resource: Provides access to NTN-SNR’s product range.
- Dedicated Competitor Cross-Reference: Features a specific section (often found via the /en/competitor URL path) for simplifying the process of finding an NTN-SNR equivalent. For example, you can search for a FAG 6205-2RSR to see its NTN-SNR counterpart.
SKF Bearing Finder Online Catalog * FREE
Known internally as “Croesus,” the SKF Bearing Finder is the official free online catalog from SKF, one of the world’s leading bearing manufacturers.
Website: https://www.skf.com/group/croesus
What makes it useful:
- Official SKF Resource: Provides access to SKF’s vast product portfolio.
- Integrated Cross-Reference: Enables users to input part numbers from various other manufacturers, such as FAG 6308, and efficiently identify the corresponding SKF equivalent.
- Comprehensive Technical Data: Offers access to detailed technical specifications, dimensions, and performance data for SKF bearings.
TFL – Bearing Cross-Reference * FREE
TFL offers a vast and free online database for bearing part numbers, their suffixes, and critical interchange information.
Website: https://www.sdtflbearing.com/bearing-cross-reference/
What makes it useful:
- Extensive Database: Provides comprehensive coverage for bearing part numbers, suffixes, and interchange details. You can try searching for standard industrial bearings like 6205 or more specific ones.
- Includes Obscure Codes: Often includes details on date codes, production codes, and other unique identifiers used by bearing manufacturers.
- Assistance for Unmatched Results: Offers a contact option for users to send information if a direct match isn’t found, demonstrating a commitment to personalized assistance.
BearingData.com – Premium Bearing Database
As the old saying goes, “you get what you pay for,” and BearingData.com aims to embody that principle as the only paid premium service reviewed here. BearingData.com is a paid platform and possibly the most complete bearing interchange and data resource available.
Website: https://bearingdata.com
Pricing: Starting at $400 for 6 months (7-day free trial available)
What makes it premium:
- Includes obscure brands, obsolete numbers, and legacy parts: This is crucial for maintaining older equipment or sourcing components that are no longer widely produced, like a long-discontinued Bower K32325.
- Offers deep data: Users gain access to critical details such as tolerances, clearance codes, comprehensive suffix explanations, and even technical drawings for a wide array of bearings.
- Used by major distributors, OEMs, and high-volume MRO facilities: Its adoption by industry leaders speaks to its reliability and comprehensive nature for professional applications, where precision and availability are paramount.
Is it worth it?
If your work involves daily cross-brand procurement, global sourcing, or maintaining legacy equipment, then BearingData.com is likely a worthwhile investment. For occasional use, the free tools mentioned above should adequately cover most common needs.
Which Bearing Interchange Tool Is Right for You?
The best bearing interchange tool depends entirely on your specific needs and the nature of the bearings you’re working with. If you frequently deal with a particular brand or are focused on bearings from a specific region (like European or US manufacturers), a dedicated manufacturer’s tool such as Schaeffler’s or Rexnord’s might be your most efficient choice. For the intricacies of linear motion systems, Bosch RexRoth’s specialized tool is unmatched. If your work often involves deciphering cryptic part numbers, understanding suffixes, or needing details on hidden date and production codes, then resources like TFL will prove invaluable. Finally, for those who demand the most comprehensive, in-depth, and potentially more accurate data for professional or high-volume applications, a paid service like BearingData.com might be a necessary and beneficial investment.
Consider your typical bearing identification challenges. Do any of these tools particularly stand out for your needs, or are there specific types of bearings you frequently struggle to interchange effectively?
