In 1971 AURORA BEARING COMPANY entered the rod end and spherical bearing market and soon became a major force in the rod end industry. The AURORA BEARING product potfolio today includes both Aerospace / Military and Commercial / Industrial rod ends and standard spherical bearings in inch and metric systems while special bearings can be designed and manufactured on request. Different series of these bearings are separately presented together with respective documentation.

AURORA BEARING MW & MG Series include Precision General Purpose Female Rod Ends with the following features. Rod ends in these series are equivalent to RBC® HEIM® BEARINGS part numbers shown in the parenthesis.

Body - Low carbon steel, protective coated for corrosion resistance. Size 16 standard series body is alloy steel not heat treated.

Ball - Alloy steel, heat treated, hard chrome plated.

Race - Low carbon steel, protective coated for corrosion resistance.

Left-hand threaded units have an identification groove near end of shank.

Grease Fitting available for sizes -3 and up. Units are supplied without grease fittings. When a grease fitting is required, specify by adding suffix "Z" or "F". Ex.: MW-6Z = Zerk Type Fitting MW-6F = Flush Type Fitting.

Load ratings apply only to rod ends without grease fittings.

Studded configuration available upon request. Specify by adding suffix "S". Ex.: MW-8S.

PTFE Liners available upon request. Specify by adding suffix "T". Ex.: MW-8T.

The RBC® BEARINGS offers a full line of airframe control ball bearings to the aerospace industry  in both “Standard” and “Precision” series. The prefix “M” in a bearing number indicates that it is of a precision series. Although designed and manufactured under demanding quality control requirements for airborne systems, these bearings have been successfully used in many industrial applications, where oscillatory movement, high loads, or corrosive environments are prevalent.

RBC® BEARINGS airframe control ball bearings conform to SAE-AS7949 (formerly MIL-B-7949) and many major OEM specifications. These bearings are of lightweight design, corrosion-resistant, grease-lubricated, and typically sealed. Airframe control bearing rings and balls are made of hardened bearing alloy, AISI 52100, with all exposed surfaces, except bearing bore, caps and seals, plated for corrosion protection. For improved corrosion protection, RBC® BEARINGS  supplies bearings made of hardened stainless steel alloy, AISI 440C. This alloy may be passivated or plated with cadmium or zinc nickel for enhanced corrosion protection.

The RBC® BEARINGS MKSP/MKSP-A SAE-AS7949 Precision Series airframe control self aligning bearings are single row, heavy duty (MKSP) or medium duty (MKSP-A) ball bearings with PTFE seals and CRES sealcaps. These bearings are self aligning for 10 Deg. in either direction  except those with part numbers MKSP4A, MKSP5A and MKSP6A which are self aligning for 8 Deg. in either direction. The RBC® BEARINGS MKSP/MKSP-A bearings conform with MS27645-R specifications. External surfaces (except bore, caps, and seals) are cadmium plated. They come prelubricated for life and are also offered with CRES 440C material and/or zinc nickel plating per OEM specifications. For additional information please refer to the supplied documentation.

INA, LuK, and FAG brands of bearings are part of Schaeffler Group portfolio, a worldwide leading manufacturer of bearings and other precision products for automotive, motion control and applications for aviation and aerospace.

INA Bearing Company is dedicated on the production of extraordinary quality roller bearings, plain bearings and linear components.

INA Thrust Bearings include an extensive range of Ball Thrust, Roller Thrust, Double Direction Thrust and Self Aligning Thrust Bearings available in a wide collection of ISO, DIN and popular inch and metric series. Races are made from through hardening and case hardening steels. Cage materials include phenolic, steel, plastic, aluminum and bronze. Selective sizes of INA Ball Thrust Bearings are available from stainless steel.

INA Ball Thrust Bearings are offered as banded, 3 piece grooved race, 3 piece flat race and self aligning series.

INA Roller Thrust Bearings are available as complete bearings or cage and roller assemblies and washer components.

INA Double Direction Thrust Bearings are available as complete bearings in ball series or component groups of cage and roller assemblies and ZS washers.

INA Self Aligning Thrust Bearings are available as complete bearings with the self aligning seats sold separately.

KAMAN CORPORATION bearings include a wide range of spherical bearings, rod ends and journal bearings. 

KAMAN KAMATICS Metal-To-Metal Self-Lubricating Spherical Bearings are designed with conventional stainless steel alloys, or other specialized alloys based on application, temperature and environment and come with KAron™ self-lubricating liners. They  are maintenance free and provide increased reliability and longer application life, reducing operating cost in challenging applications across industries.  They are offered in different series outlined below, in inch and metric systems and used in a a variety of applications in  aerospace (commercial fixed wing aircrafts), engines,commercial and military helicopters, heavy industry, hydropower, or marine vehicles.

KR-CN Series. MS14104 qualified bearings, narrow, chamfered outer race, -65° F to +325° F

KR-CNG Series. MS14101 qualified bearings, narrow, grooved outer race, -65° F to +325° F

KR-CW Series. MS14102 qualified bearings, wide, chamfered outer race, -65° F to +325° F

KR-CWG Series. MS14103 qualified bearings, wide, grooved outer race, -65° F to +325° F

KR-CN/4 Series. MS81820/4 qualified bearings, lined bore, narrow, chamfered outer race, -65° F to +325° F

KR-CNG/1 Series. MS81820/1  qualified bearings, lined bore, narrow,  grooved outer race, -65° F to +325° F

KR-CW/2 Series. MS81820/2 qualified bearings, lined bore, wide, chamfered outer race, -65° F to +325° F

KR-CWG/3 Series. MS81820/3 qualified bearings, lined bore, wide, grooved outer race, -65° F to +325° F

KR-CE Series. Extended inner race bearings, high misalignment, chamfered outer race

KR-CEG Series. Extended inner race bearings, high misalignment, grooved outer race

KR-C Series. Miniature Series bearings, chamfered outer race

For additional information and specifications please refer to the supplied documentation.

The HEIM® BEARINGS company has been acquired by RBC® BEARINGS, a leader in the world of highly engineered bearing products. 

HEIM® BEARINGS produces the industry's widest range of rod end bearing sizes (aka rod ends) in  the following four grades (types): precision, aircraft, military and commercial with each grade including different series suitable for respective application requirements. HEIM® BEARINGS are made from different materials featuring among others high strength two piece designs, high capacity designs, self-lubricating options and thermoplastic races or Teflon® liners. Please consult the supplied table on different grades and series offered.

- Precision rod ends are manufactured to tight tolerances for applications requiring improved linkage accuracy and reduced looseness. 

- Aircraft rod ends use premium materials, and have magnafluxed rod end bodies. Originally intended for aircraft applications, aircraft rod ends are used in many industrial applications where a high degree of reliability is required

- Military rod ends are produced in strict accordance with all applicable military specifications and are typically used in military and commercial aviation applications, or when Mil-Spec approval is required

- Commercial rod ends are produced using standard materials and manufacturing methods, and consist an economical choice for industrial applications

Series BHM, HFX G and HMX G four piece precision extra capacity rod ends are the high strength series intended for more heavily loaded, static and dynamic industrial applications. These rod ends have 4130 or 4340 alloy steel, heat treated bodies for increased strength and aluminum bronze race inserts for high bearing capacity. The rod end bodies are protective coated for corrosion resistance and the balls are chrome plated for superior wear and corrosion resistance. Series BHM (male) and series HFX G (female) have common thread sizes. Series HMX G (male) have oversized shanks for additional shank strength.

The letter "G" indicates Zerk Lubricator (standard on HFX G/HMX G Series). The letter “L” to prefix indicates Left Hand thread.

Please refer to the supplied chart for technical specifications and the RBC® HEIM® Bearings Catalog for additional information.

RBC NICE 5000 Series bearings are similar in construction to those of 400 Series except that they have a flange on the outer ring to locate the bearing when pressed into a tube or housing, thus eliminating the need for an external mounting device. Designed for moderate loads and speeds (not exceeding 1200 rpm) where running accuracy and noise level requirements do not warrant the more expensive precision ground bearings. They feature a full ball complement without a retainer. The rings are case hardened and the soft steel band on the outer ring of the unitized assembly allows the bearing to be pressed into a housing without the necessity of close housing tolerances. The bearings are supplied pre-greased as a standard. 

NICE 5000 Series Specifications (See chart )

RBC Aerospace Bearings offers a full line of Mil Spec standard lined journal bearings, unlined bushings, and many specialty and custom designed products to support the aerospace industry.   Journals are designed in a straight (plain) configuration with a flange to accommodate a combination of radial and axial loads with corrosion resistant materials and coatings. Journals are also offered in high temperature and water resistant series. Typical journal materials are CRES 17-4PH and aluminum.  Bearings may also be cadmium or zinc nickel plated as required while CRES 440C and Inconel® 718 are available upon request. Journal bore and flanged journal face surfaces may also be provided with various liner systems to satisfy specific application requirements. Machinable liners  are qualified to AS81934 (formerly MIL-B-81934). For additional information please refer to the attached documentation.

In 1971 AURORA BEARING COMPANY entered the rod end and spherical bearing market and soon became a major force in the rod end industry. The AURORA BEARING product potfolio today includes both Aerospace / Military and Commercial / Industrial rod ends and standard spherical bearings in inch and metric systems while special bearings can be designed and manufactured on request. Different series of these bearings are separately presented together with respective documentation.

AURORA BEARING MM & MB Series include Precision General Purpose Male Rod Ends with the following features. Rod ends in these series are equivalent to RBC® HEIM® BEARINGS part numbers shown in the parenthesis.

Body - Low carbon steel, protective coated for corrosion resistance. Size 16 standard series body is alloy steel not heat treated.

Ball - Alloy steel, heat treated, hard chrome plated.

Race - Low carbon steel, protective coated for corrosion resistance.

Grease Fitting -  supplied without grease fittings. When a grease fitting is required, specify by adding suffix "Z" or "F". Ex.: MM-6Z = Zerk Type Fitting MM-6F = Flush Type Fitting.

Load ratings apply only to rod ends without grease fittings.

PTFE Liners available upon request. Specify by adding suffix "T". Ex.: MM-6T.

The RBC range of angular contact ball bearings have a contact angle so that they can sustain significant axial loads in one direction together with radial loads. A-Type thin section bearings are manufactured from 

52100 Steel and feature a large diameter, light weight, a small cross section and a circular pocket ball separator. They are available in the following series with different cross section sizes, dimensions and load ratings. Please refer to the specifications table for additional information.

Series KAA - Cross Section Size: 3/16"

Series KA - Cross Section Size: 1/4"

Series KB - Cross Section Size: 5/16"

Series KC - Cross Section Size: 3/8"

Series KD - Cross Section Size: 1/2"

Series KF - Cross Section Size: 3/4"

Series KG - Cross Section Size: 1"

The HEIM® BEARINGS company has been acquired by RBC® BEARINGS, a leader in the world of highly engineered bearing products. 

HEIM® BEARINGS produces the industry's widest range of rod end bearing sizes (aka rod ends) in  the following four grades (types): precision, aircraft, military and commercial with each grade including different series suitable for respective application requirements. HEIM® BEARINGS are made from different materials featuring among others high strength two piece designs, high capacity designs, self-lubricating options and thermoplastic races or Teflon® liners. Please consult the supplied table on different grades and series offered.

- Precision rod ends are manufactured to tight tolerances for applications requiring improved linkage accuracy and reduced looseness. 

- Aircraft rod ends use premium materials, and have magnafluxed rod end bodies. Originally intended for aircraft applications, aircraft rod ends are used in many industrial applications where a high degree of reliability is required

- Military rod ends are produced in strict accordance with all applicable military specifications and are typically used in military and commercial aviation applications, or when Mil-Spec approval is required

- Commercial rod ends are produced using standard materials and manufacturing methods, and consist an economical choice for industrial applications

The HEIM® BEARINGS HME M/HFE M series self lubricating aircraft rod ends, male and female threaded respecively, use HEIM® UNIFLON® PTFE liner and cartridge type construction. The HEIM® UNIFLON® PTFE liner is approved to SAE-AS81820 (formerly MIL-B-18820). Their rod end bodies are made from aircraft quality carbon steel, magnetic particle inspected with protective coating for corrosion resistance. Balls  are made from 52100 alloy steel, heat treated and chrome plated on aluminum race inserts.

Letter “L” in the prefix indicates Left Hand thread

Please refer to the supplied chart for technical specifications and the RBC® HEIM® Bearings Catalog for additional information.

TIMKEN® tapered roller bearings are characterized by reliability, versatility and choice. They stand up to extreme situations, including high-corrosive, high-temperature, vacuum or low-lubrication environments. Uniquely designed to manage both types of loads on rotating shafts and in housings and offer a choice of nearly 26,000 product combinations, from single, double to four-row configurations and thrust bearings. Each bearing contains four interdependent components: the cone (inner ring), the cup (outer ring), the tapered rollers (rolling elements) and the cage (roller retainer). Tapered angles allow bearings to efficiently control a combination of radial and thrust loads. The steeper the outer ring angle, the greater ability the bearing has to handle thrust loads. To provide a true rolling motion of the rollers on the raceways, the extensions of the raceways and the tapered surfaces of the rollers come together at a common point, the apex, on the axis of rotation.

TIMKEN® Single Row (TS) bearings are basic and most widely used. Usually fitted as one of an opposing pair. They can be “set” to the required clearance (endplay) or preload condition to optimize performance. TSF type bearings, a TS variation, have a flanged outer ring to facilitate axial location and accurately aligned seats in a through-bored housing.

TIMKEN® Double Row Outer Ring bearings (TDO)  have a one-piece (double) outer ring and two single inner rings. Usually supplied complete with an inner-ring spacer as a pre-set assembly. They offer a wide effective bearing spread and frequently chosen for applications where overturning moments are a significant load component. Other bearing types include TDI (double-row double inner race) and TDIT (same as TDI with tapered bore). Both comprise a double inner ring and two single outer rings. Usually supplied complete with an outerring spacer as a pre-set assembly. TDI and TDIT bearings can be used at fixed (locating) positions on rotating shaft applications. Offered types include: TNA (double-row non-adjustable), TNASW (same as TNA with lubricant slots) or TNASWE  (same as TNSW with extended back face rib). They are similar to the TDO with a one-piece (double) outer ring and two single inner rings.  Supplied with a built-in clearance to give a standard setting range, these bearings provide a solution for many fixed or floating bearing applications where optimum simplicity of assembly is required.

For aerospace applications, different FAA PMA approved tapered single roller bearings are offered including TIMKEN® 13600, 13800 and LM813000 Series with a cone assembly and a cup. Offered in "inch" and "metric" versions LM813000 Series feature  minimization of friction between the rotating parts, handling of thrust loads, even load distibution across the roller, heavy load carrying capacity & stamped steel cage.

For additional information please refer to the supplied documentation.

TIMKEN® lock nuts and respective lock washers are used in the mounting of straight bore bearings on shafts. They are available for bearings in the various series. Their dimensions relate to the bearing bore sizes.

The MS27643/AS27643 series airframe control bearings are offered by various manufacturers. They are  double row, ball, self-aligning, heavy duty bearings produced in accordance with AS7949 specification.

Depending on the manufacturer, rings and balls of these bearings are produced from premium quality AISI 52100 chrome steel or CRES 440C materials.  External surfaces (except bore, caps, and seals) are cadmium plated per AMS-QQ-P-416 or zinc nickel plated per OEM specifications. They include PTFE seals, CRES sealcaps and they are prelubricated. They are offered in different sizes but custom sizes, materials, tolerances, radial internal clearances, lubrication, plating, etc., can also be offered upon request.

Operating temperature range: -65 to +250 °F.

Bellcrank bearings are commonly used for various control bellcranks throughout many experimental aircraft. They are prepacked with lubricant conforming to Mil. -G23827, inspected per Mil. I 45208A and 100% traceable. Operating temperature range -30 Deg. F to +250 Deg. F

The RBC® BEARINGS offers a full line of airframe control ball bearings to the aerospace industry  in both “Standard” and “Precision” series. The prefix “M” in a bearing number indicates that it is of a precision series. Although designed and manufactured under demanding quality control requirements for airborne systems, these bearings have been successfully used in many industrial applications, where oscillatory movement, high loads, or corrosive environments are prevalent.

RBC® BEARINGS airframe control ball bearings conform to SAE-AS7949 (formerly MIL-B-7949) and many major OEM specifications. These bearings are of lightweight design, corrosion-resistant, grease-lubricated, and typically sealed. Airframe control bearing rings and balls are made of hardened bearing alloy, AISI 52100, with all exposed surfaces, except bearing bore, caps and seals, plated for corrosion protection. For improved corrosion protection, RBC® BEARINGS  supplies bearings made of hardened stainless steel alloy, AISI 440C. This alloy may be passivated or plated with cadmium or zinc nickel for enhanced corrosion protection.

The RBC® BEARINGS Airframe Control Ball Bearings are offered in different series. The KP/KP-A and KSP/KSP-A series, presented separately, are briefly discussed below.

KP (Heavy Duty) and KP-A (Medium Duty) SAE-AS7949 Series radial ball bearings  manufactured with Plyoseals. KP heavy duty single row sealed bearings comply with MS27640 specifications while KP-A medium duty single row ball deep groove sealed bearings with MS27641 specifications. Both KP and KP-A radial ball bearings are prelubricated for life and feature PTFE seals and CRES sealcaps, cadmium plated exposed surfaces except bore, caps, and seals. Both are also offered with CRES 440C material and/or zinc nickel plating per OEM specifications. Load limit ratings: Radial 1230-lbs, thrust 300-lbs.

KSP/KSP-A Series SAE-AS7949 Series single/double row, self-aligning, light and heavy duty ball bearings with bonded PTFE seals and cadmium plated exposed surfaces except bore, caps, and seals. Like those of KP/KP-A Series, both KSP and KSP-A bearings are prelubricated for life and are also offered with CRES 440C material and/or zinc nickel plating per OEM specifications.

For additional information please refer to the supplied documentation in the respective product presentations.

Spherical Bearing, Precision Special Purpose Series.

RBC SAE-AS7949 MS27646 B500DD Series Airframe Control Extra Light Torque Tube Ball Bearings are single row, self-aligning, extra light duty ball bearings with PTFE seals and cadmium plated exposed surfaces except bore, caps, and seals. This series is dimensionally interchangeable with the unsealed B500 series. MS27646 B500DD Series bearings are prelubricated for life and are also offered with CRES 440C material and/or zinc nickel plating per OEM specifications. Please refer to the attached reference chart.

RBC Aerospace Bearings offers the industry’s widest selection of rod end type bearings (also known as the Heim rod ends or joints) in inch and metric sizes with a variety of platings, coatings and materials and a range of optional features such as lubrication fittings, left hand threads and keyway slots. RBC product range of Heim rod ends are offered with brass race inserts in standard, precision and high capacity designs, high strength two piece designs, self-lubricating rod ends with engineered thermoplastic races or high performance Teflon® liners, military standard (AS81935) ME/FE rod end series, ball bearing rod ends with extremely low friction and misalignment capability and elastomeric bearing rod ends that reduce vibration and noise in installations. Please refer to the attached documentation for additional information.

M81935/1 ME Series Product Features:

Wide, High Capacity Series

External Threads

Alloy Steel, Self-Lubricated

The RBC® BEARINGS offers a full line of airframe control ball bearings to the aerospace industry  in both “Standard” and “Precision” series. The prefix “M” in a bearing number indicates that it is of a precision series. Although designed and manufactured under demanding quality control requirements for airborne systems, these bearings have been successfully used in many industrial applications, where oscillatory movement, high loads, or corrosive environments are prevalent.

RBC® BEARINGS airframe control ball bearings conform to SAE-AS7949 (formerly MIL-B-7949) and many major OEM specifications. These bearings are of lightweight design, corrosion-resistant, grease-lubricated, and typically sealed. Airframe control bearing rings and balls are made of hardened bearing alloy, AISI 52100, with all exposed surfaces, except bearing bore, caps and seals, plated for corrosion protection. For improved corrosion protection, RBC® BEARINGS  supplies bearings made of hardened stainless steel alloy, AISI 440C. This alloy may be passivated or plated with cadmium or zinc nickel for enhanced corrosion protection.

The RBC® BEARINGS Airframe Control Ball Bearings are offered in different series. The KP/KP-A and KSP/KSP-A series, presented separately, are briefly discussed below.

KP (Heavy Duty) and KP-A (Medium Duty) SAE-AS7949 Series radial ball bearings  manufactured with Plyoseals. KP heavy duty single row sealed bearings comply with MS27640 specifications while KP-A medium duty single row ball deep groove sealed bearings with MS27641 specifications. Both KP and KP-A radial ball bearings are prelubricated for life and feature PTFE seals and CRES sealcaps, cadmium plated exposed surfaces except bore, caps, and seals. Both are also offered with CRES 440C material and/or zinc nickel plating per OEM specifications. Load limit ratings: Radial 1230-lbs, thrust 300-lbs.

KSP/KSP-A Series SAE-AS7949 Series single/double row, self-aligning, light and heavy duty ball bearings with bonded PTFE seals and cadmium plated exposed surfaces except bore, caps, and seals. Like those of KP/KP-A Series, both KSP and KSP-A bearings are prelubricated for life and are also offered with CRES 440C material and/or zinc nickel plating per OEM specifications.

For additional information please refer to the supplied documentation in the respective product presentations.