TIMKEN guide
What Timken manufactures and what it stands out for
Timken is recognized for its specialization in tapered roller bearings, a design that combines a tapered raceway, rollers and cage to support combined radial and axial loads. This geometry allows linear contact between roller and raceway, which distributes the load over a larger surface and gives rigidity to the assembly. That is why it is used in transmission shafts, gearboxes and machines where axial load is important.
In addition to tapered bearings, Timken manufactures spherical roller bearings, which compensate for misalignment between shaft and housing, and deep groove ball bearings for high-speed and low-friction applications. The offer is completed by bushings and sleeves for tapered mounting, split housings for large diameter shafts and locking accessories such as nuts, washers and hydraulic nuts.
In Argentine industry, Timken products are associated with demanding applications: mining, cement, steel, paper, energy and agriculture. Its catalog includes standardized series and specific codes that allow each part to be identified precisely.
Timken lines sold by MR
At MR Accesorios Industriales we work with three main categories of Timken: bearings, bushings and sleeves and bearing housings. Within each, the main subcategories are:
Bearings
Among the subcategories, tapered rollers stand out, with series such as EE, HM, LM, M, L, T and LL. We also sell spherical rollers (23xx series with EJ suffix), deep groove ball bearings (600, 6000, 16000 series) and angular contact (7200 B series).
Bushings and sleeves
Includes withdrawal sleeves (AOH, AH series), adapter sleeves (H, HA, HE series), locknuts (HM, KM, N series), hydraulic nuts (HMV, HMVC series), lockwashers (MB series) and hydraulic sleeves (OH series).
Bearing housings
We sell split housings (MSE series) and covers and accessories for housings (SR lock rings, EC covers). These components are used on large shafts where complete disassembly is costly.
Main Timken series
Each Timken series groups products with the same design logic and nomenclature. Knowing the series helps identify the type of part and its typical application.
EE series (tapered rollers)
The EE series corresponds to cones and cups of large-size tapered roller bearings. It is used in heavy equipment such as rolling mills, mills and gearboxes. Examples: EE109120, EE117063.
HM series (tapered rollers)
The HM series groups medium-size tapered roller cones and cups. They are common in road and agricultural machinery transmissions. Examples: HM120848, HM227519.
LM series (tapered rollers)
Similar to HM, the LM series includes cones and cups with specific dimensions for industrial applications. Examples: LM249748, LM274410.
M series (tapered rollers)
The M series covers small to medium tapered bearings, used in gearboxes and pumps. Examples: M231647, M235145.
L series (tapered rollers)
The L series is another line of tapered bearings with standardized dimensions. It is used in transmission shafts and industrial machinery. Examples: L540010, L540049.
T series (tapered rollers)
The T series corresponds to tapered roller thrust bearings, designed to withstand high axial loads. It is used in heads, rotary tables and heavy equipment. Examples: T63, T76.
23xx series (spherical rollers)
The 23xx series with EJ suffix corresponds to spherical roller bearings with steel cage. They compensate for misalignment and support high loads. Examples: 23022EJ, 23024EJ.
AOH series (withdrawal sleeve)
AOH sleeves are used to dismount bearings with tapered bore. They are combined with nut and washer. Examples: AOH2244, AOH2344.
How to read a Timken code
The Timken designation combines letters and numbers that indicate the product type, series and size. There is no single pattern for all lines, but each line has its logic. Here we show real examples from the catalog.
Deep groove ball bearing: 603
Code 603 belongs to the 600 series of deep groove ball bearings. The first digit (6) indicates the bearing type (deep groove ball), the second (0) the dimension series and the third (3) the bore diameter in millimeters (3 mm in this case). For larger diameters, four digits are used: 6000, 6001, etc.
Tapered bearing: T63
Code T63 corresponds to a tapered roller thrust bearing. The letter T identifies the series and the number 63 indicates the size. It is not broken down into digits like deep groove ball bearings; the complete code is used to order the part.
Withdrawal sleeve: AOH2244
In AOH2244, the letters AOH indicate withdrawal sleeve. The number 2244 relates to the diameter of the associated bearing (in this case, a bearing of series 22 with 220 mm bore). The correspondence is not direct: consult the manufacturer's table.
Locknut: KM0
KM nuts are designated with a sequential number: KM0, KM1, KM2, etc. The number indicates the thread size and diameter. The higher the number, the larger the nut. There is no simple formula; it is chosen according to the shaft.
Split housing: MSE111
In MSE111, MSE identifies the split housing series and 111 is the size code. The following numbers (112, 115, 200, etc.) correspond to increasing sizes. The complete code defines the shaft diameter and housing dimensions.
Frequent Timken prefixes and suffixes
Suffixes in Timken codes provide information about internal design, sealing, cage or clearance. Some of the most common in the catalog:
EJ
Suffix that appears in spherical roller bearings, such as 23022EJ. It indicates a steel cage and a specific internal design. It does not change the main dimensions, but it does change performance.
2RS
In deep groove ball bearings, 2RS indicates rubber seals on both sides. It protects against contamination and retains grease. If it does not appear, the bearing may be open or with ZZ shields.
C3
Suffix for radial internal clearance greater than normal. It is used in applications with high temperatures or interference fits. In Timken, it can appear in deep groove ball bearings and other types.
B
In angular contact bearings, the letter B indicates a contact angle of 40°. For example, 7310 B. It is key for axial load capacity.
H
In OH hydraulic sleeves, the final H indicates a specific configuration with holes for pressure oil. For example, OH2338H.
G
In AOH withdrawal sleeves, the final G indicates the execution with groove and holes for pressure oil supply, which facilitates dismounting.
Applications by industry in Argentina
Timken products are used in a wide variety of industrial sectors. Depending on the industry, certain types of bearings and accessories predominate.
Metallurgy
In metallurgical plants, tapered and spherical roller bearings are used in rolling mills, gearboxes and roller tables. MSE split housings and adapter sleeves are common on large diameter shafts.
Agriculture
In agricultural machinery, tapered bearings of the LM and HM series are used in wheels, transmission shafts and gearboxes. Adapter sleeves are also used to mount bearings on cylindrical shafts.
Naval
In naval applications, spherical and large tapered bearings are used in propulsion shafts, rudders and deck equipment. OH hydraulic sleeves facilitate mounting in reduced spaces.
Oil
In the oil industry, Timken bearings are used in pumps, compressors, top drives and drilling equipment. Tapered and spherical rollers withstand heavy loads and vibration. HMV hydraulic nuts help in mounting.
Food
In food plants, deep groove ball bearings and sealed housings are used in conveyors, mixers and sanitary pumps. Adapter sleeves allow quick mounting and dismounting for cleaning.
Mining
In mining, 23xx series spherical bearings and large tapered bearings are used in mills, crushers, screens and conveyor belts. AOH withdrawal sleeves and MSE split housings are key for maintenance.
Paper
In the paper industry, spherical bearings and split housings are used in paper machine rolls, dryers and calenders. OH hydraulic sleeves allow precise mounting on long shafts.
Cement
In cement plants, spherical and tapered bearings are used in kilns, ball mills, crushers and fans. Withdrawal sleeves and hydraulic nuts are essential for maintaining critical equipment.
Energy
In power generation, Timken bearings are used in turbines, generators, pumps and fans. Tapered and spherical rollers withstand high loads. Locking accessories ensure reliable mounting.
Automotive
In the automotive industry, tapered bearings of the LM and HM series are used in wheels, differentials and transmissions. Deep groove ball bearings are used in alternators, water pumps and clutches.
Plastics
In plastics plants, deep groove ball and tapered bearings are used in extruders, injection molding machines and mills. Split housings facilitate replacement on long shafts.
Refrigeration
In refrigeration plants, ball bearings and sealed housings are used in conveyors, pumps and refrigeration compressors. Adapter sleeves allow quick mounting in process lines.
Sugar
In sugar mills, spherical and tapered bearings are used in mills, crushers and conveyors. AOH withdrawal sleeves and hydraulic nuts facilitate maintenance during harvest.
How to choose the correct Timken
To select a Timken bearing or accessory, operating conditions and mounting type must be evaluated. These are the main criteria:
Load and direction
If there are combined radial and axial loads, a tapered or angular contact bearing is suitable. If the load is mainly radial and there is misalignment, a spherical bearing is better. For light loads and high speed, a deep groove ball bearing.
Speed
Deep groove ball bearings withstand higher speeds than tapered or spherical bearings. Check the speed limit in the catalog for your application.
Sealing
In dusty or humid environments, choose bearings with 2RS seals or ZZ shields. In clean applications, an open bearing with external lubrication may be sufficient.
Internal clearance
C3 clearance is used when there are interference fits or high temperatures. Normal clearance (no suffix) is suitable for most applications.
Mounting
If the shaft is cylindrical and the bearing has a tapered bore, you need an adapter sleeve (H, HA, HE). For frequent dismounting, an OH hydraulic sleeve or an HMV hydraulic nut facilitate the task.
Environment
In corrosive or washdown environments, consider bearings with seals and adequate lubrication. Split housings with covers protect the bearing outdoors.
Equivalences and interchangeability
Many Timken codes have their correspondence in other brands, especially in deep groove ball bearings and adapter sleeves. For example, Timken code 16003 corresponds to 16003 from SKF, FAG or NSK. The main dimensions match according to ISO standard.
In the MR catalog, you can find cross references such as 16021 (Timken, SKF, FAG, NSK, NTN) or H3276 (Timken, NTN, BGL). For hydraulic sleeves, OH3996H matches BGL OH3996H. However, not all codes are interchangeable: Timken tapered bearings usually have their own designations (EE, HM, LM); correspondence with other brands is confirmed with the complete code.
If you have a code from another brand or an unidentified part, you can consult us with the measurement or a photo. We will tell you the corresponding Timken.
Frequent errors when replacing or buying Timken
When ordering a Timken, it is easy to get confused if you do not know the nomenclature. These are the most common errors and how to avoid them:
Confusing cone and cup
In tapered bearings, the cone and cup are sold separately. If you order only the cone number (for example, LM249748) without the cup, the assembly will not work. Always verify if you need the complete assembly or individual parts.
Ignoring the suffix
A 23022EJ is not the same as a 23022 without suffix. The EJ suffix indicates steel cage and internal design; if you omit it, you may receive a bearing with another cage or performance. Always pass the complete code.
Not verifying internal clearance
If your application requires C3 and you order a bearing without that suffix, the clearance may be insufficient and cause overheating. Review the equipment specifications before buying.
Choosing the wrong sleeve
Adapter sleeves (H, HA, HE) are not interchangeable with each other: each series has a different design and dimensions. Use the exact bearing code to select the correct sleeve.
Not considering sealing
An open bearing in a dusty environment will fail quickly. If the original had 2RS seals, replace it with one with the same sealing. Do not assume that all bearings come sealed.
Mounting, lubrication and maintenance
The service life of a Timken bearing depends largely on mounting and lubrication. Incorrect mounting can damage the raceways and drastically reduce service life.
To mount bearings with tapered bore, use adapter sleeves and suitable nuts. Tighten the nut progressively and check radial clearance with a gauge. On large bearings, HMV hydraulic nuts allow applying the exact force without impacts.
Lubrication must be compatible with the bearing type and operating conditions. In general, sealed bearings come lubricated from the factory; open ones require grease or oil depending on the application. Periodically check the lubricant condition and regrease if necessary.
In split housings, verify that the covers are properly tightened and that the SR lock ring is in place. A mispositioned ring allows axial displacement of the bearing and generates premature wear.
For dismounting, use AOH withdrawal sleeves or suitable pullers. Avoid hitting the bearing directly; if necessary, heat the inner ring with an induction heater or oil bath, never with a direct flame.
Why get a Timken quote at MR Accesorios Industriales
At MR Accesorios Industriales we sell the Timken line with an online catalog that allows searching by code, size or series. We are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and since 1945 we have worked with local industry.
If you have the Timken code, send it to us via WhatsApp or email and we will quote you promptly. If you do not have the code, send us a photo of the part or the main measurements and we will help you identify the correct product.
We also work with equivalents: if your equipment uses another brand and you want to switch to Timken, consult us with the current code. Our technical team will guide you in the selection.
Frequently asked questions about TIMKEN
- Where to buy Timken bearings in Argentina?
- At MR Accesorios Industriales, Buenos Aires, Argentina. We sell Timken bearings, bushings, sleeves and housings. You can get a quote via WhatsApp or email with the code or measurement.
- How to read a Timken bearing code?
- It depends on the type. In deep groove ball bearings, the first digit indicates the type (6), the second the series and the third the bore diameter in mm. In tapered bearings, codes like T63 or LM249748 are not broken down; they are used complete. In sleeves, AOH2244 indicates withdrawal and the number relates to the bearing.
- What does the EJ suffix mean in Timken?
- EJ appears in spherical roller bearings, such as 23022EJ. It indicates a steel cage and a specific internal design. It does not change the dimensions, but it does change performance.
- Does Timken have equivalents with other brands?
- Yes, in deep groove ball bearings and adapter sleeves, many codes match with SKF, FAG, NSK, NTN or BGL. For example, 16003 has its correspondence in Timken, SKF, FAG and NSK. In tapered bearings, designations are usually proprietary.
- What is a Timken adapter sleeve?
- It is a component that allows mounting a bearing with tapered bore on a cylindrical shaft. It is placed between the shaft and the bearing, and is tightened with a nut. Common series: H, HA, HE.
- When to use a Timken split housing?
- When the shaft cannot be easily dismounted. The split housing (MSE series) is assembled around the shaft and allows replacing the bearing without uncoupling the transmission. It is common in mining, cement and paper.
- How to request a Timken quote at MR?
- Send via WhatsApp or email the Timken code (for example, 23022EJ or AOH2244) or a photo of the part with measurements. We will respond promptly with the proposal.
Updated September 29, 2026