How to Read McGill Codes: Prefixes, Suffixes, and Real Examples

McGill codes follow a clear logic: a prefix indicating the series or product type, a number usually referring to the size or shaft diameter, and in some cases a suffix adding information about design or materials. For example, in the code CF 3, the prefix CF corresponds to the cam follower series with eccentric stud, and the number 3 indicates the nominal size.

Understanding this structure allows you to quickly identify the characteristics of a bearing without consulting the full catalog. In maintenance, this speeds up spare parts search and reduces the risk of ordering the wrong part.

Below, we break down the most common prefixes and their meaning in the different subcategories we supply: cam followers and support rollers, needle bearings, special bearings, and spherical roller bearings.

The CF series is one of the most used in McGill cam followers. The prefix CF indicates a cam follower with eccentric stud, which allows adjusting the roller position during assembly. The numbers following the prefix, such as in CF 1, CF 2, or CF 3, correspond to the stud diameter in fractions of an inch or a standardized size.

Another frequent series is CYR, which designates cam followers with concentric stud and needle cage. Although it does not appear in the examples in this post, it is important to know it because it shares the same numbering logic.

In general, McGill cam followers are distinguished by their ability to withstand high radial loads and by the variety of stud configurations, making them suitable for cams, linear guides, and conveyor systems.

McGill needle bearings are usually identified with the prefix RS. This prefix is used for needle bearings with cage and thrust washers, designed for applications with limited radial space and high loads. Example codes include RS 6, RS 7, and RS 9, where the number indicates the shaft diameter in millimeters or a specific size designation.

In addition to the RS prefix, McGill offers other needle bearing series, such as MR and N, but the designation logic is similar: the number following the prefix relates to the main bearing dimension.

When interpreting a needle bearing code, it is key to verify the inner diameter and width, as small differences can make the part incompatible with the housing or shaft.

McGill also produces special bearings identified with the prefix D followed by a number, such as D-319, D-320, and D-324. These codes do not follow a simple dimensional rule but correspond to specific designs developed for particular applications.

In these cases, the number after the prefix D is a catalog identifier, not a direct measurement. Therefore, to order a spare part from this series, it is essential to have the complete code or the exact bearing dimensions.

If you have a special McGill bearing and cannot find the code, you can send us a photo and the measurements; we will help you identify the correct reference.

McGill spherical roller bearings are designated with the prefix SB, which stands for spherical bearing. These rollers are designed to compensate for angular misalignment and combined loads. Examples include SB-22211, SB-22216, and SB-22310.

In this series, the number following the prefix SB corresponds to the standard dimensional designation of spherical roller bearings, similar to the ISO standard. For example, 22211 has an inner diameter of 55 mm, and 22310 has 50 mm.

Knowing this equivalence allows you to quickly verify if a McGill spherical roller bearing is interchangeable with others of the same dimensional designation, although it is always advisable to confirm load and speed specifications.

In addition to prefixes, McGill uses suffixes to indicate additional characteristics. For example, the suffix 2RS indicates rubber seals on both sides, and C3 indicates greater radial clearance than normal. These suffixes are standard in the industry and also apply to McGill bearings.

Other frequent suffixes include EJ (pressed steel cage), K (tapered bore), and W33 (lubrication groove and holes in the outer ring). When reading a complete code, it is important to consider both the prefix and the suffix to know all the bearing characteristics.

If you have doubts about a specific suffix, you can consult us with the complete code and we will explain what each part means.

To quote a McGill bearing, it is ideal to have the complete code as it appears on the part or on the equipment plate. If you do not have it, you can send us a clear photo of the bearing and the main measurements: inner diameter, outer diameter, and width.

At MR Accesorios Industriales, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, we supply the complete McGill line: cam followers and support rollers, needle bearings, special bearings, and spherical roller bearings. We work with this brand and can quote any reference.

Write to us via WhatsApp or email with the code, measurement, or photo of the part, and we will respond promptly with a quote.