NU 218 ECP bearing
90 × 160 mm · dynamic rating 208 kN · static rating 220 kN. Dimensions, load ratings, designation meaning, life estimates and equivalent parts.
NU 218 ECP specification
| Designation | NU 218 ECP |
| Type | Cylindrical roller bearing |
| Series | NU2 light |
| Bore diameter d | 90 mm |
| Outside diameter D | 160 mm |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 208 kN (208,000 N) |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 220 kN (220,000 N) |
| Ratio C0/C | 1.06 |
| Speed guide, grease lubrication | 5,000 rpm |
| Life exponent p | 10/3 (roller bearing) |
Values come from the Rotec AI bearing catalogue and are indicative. Confirm against the manufacturer's current catalogue before ordering. Not every dimension (such as width) is listed here.
What the designation NU 218 ECP means
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| NU | No flange on the inner ring, two flanges on the outer ring — inner ring can float axially |
| 218 | light dimension series — bore code "18" = 18 × 5 = 90 mm |
| EC | Optimized internal design with more and/or larger rollers |
| P | Glass-fibre-reinforced PA66 cage, roller-centred |
Basic rating life of the NU 218 ECP
Basic rating life is L10 = (C / P)p million revolutions, where P is the equivalent dynamic load and p = 10/3 (roller bearing). For a NU 218 ECP with C = 208 kN, the table shows what that gives at different load levels. It is the ISO 281 basic life only: it does not include lubrication, contamination, misalignment or reliability modifiers.
| C / P | P as share of C | L10 (million rev) | L10 at 1,500 rpm | L10 at 3,000 rpm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 33.3% | 39 | 430 | 220 |
| 5 | 20.0% | 214 | 2,400 | 1,200 |
| 8 | 12.5% | 1,024 | 11,400 | 5,700 |
| 12 | 8.3% | 3,956 | 44,000 | 22,000 |
For example, a C / P of 5 means the equivalent load is 41.6 kN on this bearing. Use the Load Calculator to work out P for your actual radial and axial loads.
Equivalents of the NU 218 ECP from other brands
These parts share the main boundary dimensions of the NU 218 ECP and are commonly used as its equivalent. Published load ratings differ a little between makers because internal designs differ.
| Brand | Part | C (kN) | C0 (kN) | Dynamic rating vs SKF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKF | NU 218 ECP | 208 | 220 | Reference |
| FAG | NU218-E-XL-M1-F1-J20AA-C3 | — | — | — |
Check clearance class, cage, seals and any special suffix before ordering. A matching main size does not guarantee the parts are interchangeable in every detail.
Where the NU 218 ECP is used
Cylindrical roller bearings are chosen for: High radial load and high speed; separable arrangements. Typical equipment: Gearboxes, traction motors, rolling mills, generators. Some variants carry axial load; common in railway drive systems.
Other sizes in the same series
The NU 218 ECP belongs to the “NU2 light” series. The next size down, the NU 217 ECP, has a bore of 85 mm and a dynamic rating of 190 kN. The next size up, the NU 219 ECP, has a bore of 95 mm and a rating of 255 kN (+23%).
Common problems on bearings like the NU 218 ECP
Most field failures trace back to lubrication, contamination, fits and alignment rather than the bearing itself. These guides explain how to recognise and prevent them:
Questions about the NU 218 ECP
What are the dimensions of a NU 218 ECP bearing?
The NU 218 ECP has a bore of 90 mm and an outside diameter of 160 mm. It is a cylindrical roller bearing. Series: NU2 light.
What is the load rating of a NU 218 ECP bearing?
In the Rotec AI catalogue the NU 218 ECP has a basic dynamic load rating C of 208 kN and a basic static load rating C0 of 220 kN. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current catalogue.
What is the equivalent of a NU 218 ECP bearing?
Equivalent parts include FAG NU218-E-XL-M1-F1-J20AA-C3. Check clearance, cage and seal suffixes before substituting.