What is an Obsolete Bearing?
Why Are Bearings Discontinued?
Bearings may be discontinued for several reasons:
- Low market demand
- Product line consolidation
- Material changes
- Manufacturing modernization
- Company acquisitions and mergers
Discontinued products often create sourcing challenges for maintenance, repair, and legacy equipment programs.
How to Identify an Obsolete Bearing
- Locate the bearing number.
- Verify manufacturer information.
- Measure OD, ID, and width.
- Check for interchange numbers.
- Consult a bearing specialist.
What Is a Bearing Interchange?
A bearing interchange is an equivalent bearing produced by another manufacturer that matches the original bearing's dimensions, load ratings, and performance requirements. Interchange options can help extend equipment life when the original bearing is obsolete or unavailable.
How Do I Find a Discontinued Bearing?
The best way to locate a discontinued bearing is to provide:
- Complete Bearing Number
- Manufacturer Name
- Bearing Dimensions
- Equipment Model Number
- Application Information
A bearing specialist can often identify interchange numbers, replacement options, or manufacturing alternatives. At Bearing & Drive Systems (BDS) we specialize in just that. We have a wide selection of bearings; including new, discontinued, and hard-to-find brands:
- Timken
- FAG
- Koyo
- SKF
- Dodge
- NDH Bearing/Delco
- Shafer
- MPB/Andrews Bearing Corp
- Hoover NSK
- Killian
- Orange
- Norma-Hoffman
- Federal-Mogul
- And more...
Can Obsolete Bearings Be Manufactured Again?
Yes. When an obsolete bearing is no longer available through existing inventory, custom manufacturing may be a practical solution. Bearings can often be produced to original dimensions and performance requirements to support legacy equipment and ongoing operations.
Bearing & Drive Systems (BDS) offers bearing manufacturing services designed to help customers obtain the bearings they need without unnecessary quantity requirements. We specialize in the manufacture of ball bearings and cylindrical roller bearings, along with a variety of other bearing solutions.
Why Choose BDS Manufacturing Services?
- 100% USA Steel
- 100% Made in USA
- Meets or Exceeds Original Manufacturer Requirements
- No Large Minimum Order Requirements
- Support for Obsolete and Discontinued Bearings
- Complete Quality and Traceability Documentation
Whether you need a replacement for a discontinued bearing or a custom-manufactured solution, BDS can help keep your equipment operating and reduce costly downtime.
Can Obsolete Bearings Be Relubricated?
Yes. In many cases, obsolete, discontinued, and hard-to-find bearings can be relubricated with fresh grease or oil to help restore performance and extend service life. Relubrication can be especially valuable when replacement bearings are difficult to source or when existing inventory has been in storage for an extended period.
BDS stocks more than 200 types of bearing greases and oils from leading manufacturers, including:
- Mobil
- Chevron
- NYE Lubricants
- AeroShell
- Castrol
- Krytox
- And many others
What Are the Benefits of Grease Lubrication?
Grease remains the most common lubricant used in rolling element bearings because it stays in place, helps prevent contamination, improves sealing performance, and requires less monitoring than oil lubrication.
Benefits of grease lubrication include:
- Reduced lubricant leakage
- Improved protection against contaminants
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Better lubricant retention within the bearing housing
NLGI Grade 2 grease is the most commonly used bearing lubricant and is frequently found in electric motor and general industrial applications.
For aerospace and other specialized applications, synthetic lubricants are often selected to support extreme temperatures, low torque requirements, and demanding operating environments.
Bearing Relubrication Services
BDS operates an on-site clean room capable of removing aged or degraded lubricants and replacing them with customer-specified greases and oils. This process can help bring stored inventory up to current lubrication requirements while maintaining cleanliness and traceability.
Major bearing manufacturers trust BDS Relubrication Services, including:
- NSK
- NTN
- Koyo
- Nachi
Whether you need a single bearing or a larger production run, BDS can provide relubrication services with complete traceability, flexible order quantities, and documented quality workmanship.
What Should You Do If a Bearing Has Been Discontinued?
When a bearing is discontinued, the first step is to determine whether existing inventory, an interchange solution, relubrication service, or custom manufacturing option is available. In many cases, obsolete bearings can still be sourced or reproduced, allowing equipment to remain in service without costly redesigns.
Bearing & Drive Systems (BDS) works with customers across a wide range of industries to locate hard-to-find bearings, identify suitable replacements, provide relubrication services, and manufacture bearings when inventory is no longer available.
If you're searching for an obsolete or discontinued bearing, our team can help you evaluate available options and develop a solution that minimizes downtime and supports long-term equipment reliability.
