SKF
Needle Roller and Cage Assemblies
Needle roller and cage assemblies consist of a set of needles held and guided by a cage, to be used directly between a hardened shaft and a hardened housing bore. SKF offers single- and double-row assemblies with sheet metal or solid cages. These assemblies are the most economical needle bearing solution, minimizing radial sectional height. The shaft and housing act as the raceways, which must be hardened to at least 58 HRC and precision ground to achieve the rated life. Guide surfaces for the cage must also be provided. Typical applications include connecting rods, engine crankshaft pins, kingpins, and universal joint bearings in driveshafts. SKF’s cage designs ensure proper needle guidance, while the crowning on the needles reduces edge stress. These assemblies allow machine designers to minimize weight and space without sacrificing load capacity.
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Minimal Radial Space Requirement
Ideal where design envelope is extremely tight.
Economical Solution
No inner or outer ring reduces component cost.
High Needle Count
Distributes load over many contact lines, increasing capacity.
Sheet Metal or Solid Cage
Chosen based on speed and temperature; provides positive needle guidance.
Separable Assembly
Eases installation in one-piece housings.
Reduced Edge Stress
SKF crowned needles prevent harmful peak pressure.
Hardness and Surface Requirements for Needle Roller Assemblies
To achieve full load rating, the shaft and housing bore must have a minimum hardness of 58 HRC and a surface finish Ra ≤ 0.2 μm or better. SKF provides the required tolerances and case depth recommendations. If the shaft cannot be hardened, an inner ring (IR series) must be used.
Applications: From Engine Pistons to Steering Pivots
Automotive wrist pins use needle roller and cage assemblies for high load in oscillating motion. Heavy truck kingpins rely on them for steering smoothness and durability. Their ability to withstand shock loads makes them ideal for these tough, motion-critical interfaces.