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Questions You Should Know about Cylindrical Roller Bearings

21 Jul.,2025

What are Cylindrical Roller Bearings and How are They Used?

Bearings are an essential part of industrial machinery. A bearing's goal is to ensure motion is regulated in a moving part and help reduce friction.

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However, there are several types of bearings to choose from, each having its own purpose with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Bearings Manufacturing Company is committed to being a world-class provider for modified and manufactured ball and roller bearing products. Because of this, we have worked with all types of roller bearings in many different applications across all industries.

We thought it would be advantageous to create a series of posts that included the main roller bearings types you may need for your projects. The 5-part series will consist of today's topic—Cylindrical Roller Bearings answers to your cylindrical questions, Spherical Roller Bearings, Tapered Roller Bearings, Needle Roller Bearings, and Cross Roller Bearings.

But first, let's discuss:

Most bearings with a rolling element fall into two broad groups—ball and roller bearings.

Why choose a cylindrical roller bearing over a radial ball bearing?

Cylindrical roller bearings are similar to radial ball bearings in that they are designed to carry a radial load while minimizing friction. Cylindrical roller and radial ball bearings can also handle a small amount of axial loads depending on the application and internal design of the bearings.

In general, roller bearings offer higher load capacities than ball bearings of the same size. The other significant difference between the two bearings is their contact area. For ball bearings, the contact area is a single point where the roller bearings hit a much larger area.

How to choose the correct bearing for your project or application?

When choosing a bearing, you must consider several essential factors. The first factor to consider is the load that the bearing can support—load capacity.

There are two types of bearing loads:

– Radial load: perpendicular to the axis, act as right angles to the shaft (bearing's axis of rotation).
– Axial (thrust) load: parallel to the axis of rotation, acts in the same direction as the shaft. It is considered when the load is parallel to the post.

Source: Koyo, What are the Differences Between Bearings

Each type is designed to support the radial or axial load.

If you require a bearing that needs a high radial load, a cylindrical roller bearing is recommended.

The key takeaway:

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Know the amount of bearing load your application requires when deciding the best bearing for the job. Typically smaller/lighter loads work best with ball bearings, and heavier load applications work best with roller bearings.

Onto cylindrical roller bearings and why you might need them . . .

What are cylindrical roller bearings, and why choose them?

The cylindrical roller bearings have a high radial load capacity and are suitable for high speeds. They are in linear contact with the raceways. They are designed to be reliable and a good fit for the environment.

The bearing is highly versatile and can be used for many applications. There are several different types of cylindrical roller bearings on the market.

They vary according to the number of rows of rollers (usually one, two, or four) and if there's a cage or not. No cage allows for the bearing to have more rows, which helps support even heavier radial loads. [source]

These types of bearings are commonly used in rotary applications.

Cylindrical roller bearings can support significant radial loads (even very significant ones).

Advantages: Long bearing life, support significant radial loads, robust

Disadvantages: Cannot tolerate high axial loads.

Cylindrical roller bearings can take some axial load in one direction when the inner or outer rings have two ribs.

Double-row cylindrical roller bearings have high radial rigidity and are used primarily for precision machine tools.

Summary: What are the significant benefits of cylindrical roller bearings?

Greater radial load capacity compared to ball bearings
The roller design accepts faster speeds than other types of roller bearings
Resist damage from fatigue
Have straight outside and inside diameters (can also be tapered)
Flush inside the housing
Easy to install, which reduces potential installation damage
Slim, saves space and weight
Comes in several sizes and materials

Here's an image of our black oxide cylindrical roller bearing . . .

What applications are cylindrical roller bearings used for?

Cylindrical roller bearings are used in a variety of applications. Common cylindrical bearing uses include:

Mining
Power generation/Wind turbines
Power transmission
Machine tool

At BMC, we can modify Cylindrical roller bearings for

Radial internal clearance changes (Ex: C3 to C4)
Adding lube groove and holes to outer and inner races
Custom rotation slots and keyways
Lifting holes
Changing from a straight to taper bore
Applying special coatings
and more

Listen to Joe, our modifications specialist, as he goes into depth about the specific modifications we can do at BMC . . .

5 problems with cylindrical roller bearings and solutions - TFL Bearing

Common Problems with Cylindrical Roller Bearings and How to Fix Them

Introduction

Bearings are like the helpers inside machines that let things spin and move smoothly. Cylindrical roller bearings are a type of bearing used in lots of machines because they are strong. Think of them as the muscles that keep things going! But just like anything that works hard, problems can happen with cylindrical roller bearings. If you know what to look for, you can catch problems early and fix them before they become big headaches. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common issues people face with cylindrical roller bearings, why they happen, and how you can fix them. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of how to keep your equipment running without headaches.

Problem 1: Overheating in Cylindrical Roller Bearings

What Causes Overheating?

Overheating happens when the bearing gets too hot. This can be caused by things like not enough lubrication or too much load on the bearing. When the cylindrical roller bearing’s temperature is severely high, it will affect the machine’s operation.

How to Fix Overheating Issues

Use the right amount of lubricant. Too much or too little can cause trouble.
Make sure the machine isn’t overloaded. Check the load limits for your bearing.
Keep the area around the bearing clean and well-ventilated.

Problem 2: Excessive Wear in Cylindrical Roller Bearings

What Causes Excessive Wear?

If the rollers or raceways (the surfaces the rollers roll on) start wearing out, it’s usually because the cylindrical roller bearing wasn’t installed correctly or hasn’t been maintained properly. The wear will cause the bearing’s unstable running, increased noise, and even the bearing failure.

How to Fix Excessive Wear

Double-check that the bearing is aligned properly during installation.
Replace worn-out parts as soon as you notice they’re damaged.
Don’t push the bearing beyond its limits. Stick to the recommended load and speed.

Problem 3: Corrosion in Cylindrical Roller Bearings

What Causes Corrosion?

Corrosion happens when the bearing is exposed to moisture or chemicals. Over time, this can damage the surface and make the bearing less effective.

How to Prevent Corrosion

Use bearings made from corrosion-resistant materials, like stainless steel.
Store your bearings in a dry, clean place when they’re not in use.
Avoid exposing the bearing to harsh chemicals unless absolutely necessary.

Problem 4: Noise and Vibration in Cylindrical Roller Bearings

What Causes Noise and Vibration?

If your bearing starts making noise or vibrating, it’s a sign something is wrong. This could be due to misalignment, dirt in the bearing, or damage to the rollers.

How to Fix Noise and Vibration Issues

Clean the bearing to get rid of dirt or debris.
Check that the bearing is aligned properly during installation.
Inspect the rollers and raceways for damage. If you see any, replace the damaged parts.

Problem 5: Improper Lubrication in Cylindrical Roller Bearings

What Happens When Lubrication Is Wrong?

Using the wrong type of lubricant, or using too much or too little, can cause big problems. It might lead to overheating, increased friction, or even damage to the bearing.

How to Fix Lubrication Problems

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for lubrication. They know best!
Use the right type of lubricant for your specific application.
Reapply lubricant regularly to keep the bearing running smoothly.

How to Prevent Problems with Cylindrical Roller Bearings

Regular Maintenance

The easiest way to avoid problems is to check your bearings regularly. Look for signs of wear, overheating, or dirt buildup.

Proper Installation

Take your time when installing the bearing. Make sure it’s aligned properly and fits snugly in place.

Monitoring Bearing Status

Regularly check the temperature and vibration of bearings and other indicators, timely find problems and take appropriate measures.

Conclusion

Cylindrical roller bearings are tough little parts, but they still need care to work their best. By understanding the common problems and how to fix them, you can save yourself a lot of time and money. At TFL Bearings, we make high-quality cylindrical roller bearings that are built to last. Whether you’re running a small workshop or managing a big factory, we’ve got the right bearings for you. If you’re ready to upgrade your equipment with reliable parts, reach out to us today. We’re here to help!

5 Most Popular Related Questions About Cylindrical Roller Bearings

What are cylindrical roller bearings used for? These bearings are used in machines that need to handle heavy loads and high speeds, like cars, conveyor belts, and industrial equipment. How long do cylindrical roller bearings last? It depends on how much load and speed they handle, as well as how well you maintain them. With proper care, they can last for years. Why do cylindrical roller bearings overheat? Overheating happens when there’s too much friction, which can be caused by lack of lubrication, overloading, or poor ventilation. How do I know if my cylindrical roller bearing is damaged? Look for signs like noise, vibration, overheating, or visible wear on the rollers or raceways. Can I repair a damaged cylindrical roller bearing? Sometimes you can clean or relubricate the bearing to fix minor issues. But if the damage is severe, it’s better to replace it.

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