Bearings come in a range of sizes, styles and shapes for particular applications and are one of the most common components found in mechanical devices. Bearings are used where moving parts come together or for the movement of singular parts, such as axle bearings on an automobile, as a common example. Bearings are numerous and very precise, making the task of matching the right part to the right
. application critical. Bearings that are improperly installed or employed in the wrong applications often result in severe damage to the machine in question. It is nearly impossible to identify a bearing size by visual cues alone, as many only differ in minute fractions of a millimeter. These features all point to the need for accurate bearing cross reference materials when replacing or repairing bearings.There are also several new and older manufacturers of bearings, some that have gone out of business and some that have been absorbed by other companies, making the confusion potential even higher when replacing bearings. Many types of bearings, from ball bearings to groove bearings, last for years without incident, though when it comes to replace them, the particular model used may not be in active circulation anymore. This is where an accurate cross reference offers a quick equivalent, without having to spend hours or days tracking down the suggested replacement part. Most bearings must be pressed into place and form a seal as well, making it even more important to have the right size and shape. Pressing the wrong bearings in can also lead to serious damage, and in some cases, it is irreparable.Taking advantage of the many different online options for quick bearing cross reference charts saves time, money and a great deal of frustration. Outlets that include www.Timken.com and wwwThisOldTractor.com offer excellent reference charts, and the Timken outlet offers a great electronic version that can be used over and over. Since the Timken catalog is in the PDF file format, it is easily searched for part numbers, sizes or types in just seconds. More reference links: http://www.gobearings.com/ http://www.timken.com/en-us/products/Documents/Timken_Bearing_Cross_Reference_Guide.pdf
