Y-bearing inserts

A Y-bearing, or insert bearing, is a ball bearing with a spherical outside surface and an extended inner ring. It fits into a matching housing that lets it self-align, and it locks onto the shaft without a machined seat. That makes it the go-to unit for conveyors, fans, mixers, farm equipment and general machinery that needs a simple support you can install quickly.

The locking method defines the series. On UC inserts, such as NSK UC217D1 or NTN A-UC211D1M, set screws hold the insert on the shaft. The number is a size code: multiply the last two digits by 5 for the bore in millimeters, so 211 means a 55 mm bore. A dash followed by another number, as in UC218-308D1 or A-UC211-200D1M, signals an inch bore. Other makers use their own systems: Link-Belt 2012U, Sealmaster RB-10 or INA 201-XL-NPP-B.

Start with the shaft diameter, the locking type (set screws, eccentric collar or bushing), the seals and the housing it goes into. Seals keep dust and moisture out, and lining up the shaft with the housing keeps extra load off the bearing. The insert has to match its housing in outside diameter and spherical shape, and inserts do not always interchange between brands.

Brands we carry in this line: NTN, NSK, Dodge, SKF, Link-Belt, Sealmaster, INA and Rexnord. Send the full part number, for example SKF 1726203-2RS1, or the shaft diameter, locking type and housing. If you have another brand's part number, we'll cross-reference it. Send it by WhatsApp or email and we'll quote promptly.