2.3—Self-Aligning Ball Bearings

Self-aligning ball bearings are double-row ball bearings with spherical outer ring raceways. They have low axial load capacity and are not suitable for high-speed rotation. However, they are relatively inexpensive bearings with self-aligning capabilities.

The central axis of the spherical outer ring raceway is aligned with the bearing center.
This allows the inner ring, balls, and cage to rotate around the bearing center and maintain alignment.
The inner ring raceway has two rows.
Cages are typically made of pressed steel.
Self-aligning ball bearings are recommended for applications where centering the shaft and housing is difficult or where the shaft may bend, such as transmission shafts.
Bearings with tapered inner ring bores are also available.