Bearing number confusion leads to wrong replacements and costly downtime. Over 40% of bearing failures start with incorrect identification.
Tapered roller bearing numbers follow standardized codes where the last two digits ×5 equals the bore diameter in mm. Prefixes indicate series while suffixes show special features like seals or clearances.

Let me break down how to read these critical codes so you can always identify bearings correctly.
How do I find my taper roller bearing number?
Bearing numbers hide in plain sight. Knowing where to look prevents installation mistakes and ordering errors.
Locate tapered roller bearing numbers1 on the cone’s large end or cup’s outer diameter. Clean the surface thoroughly as markings may be faint or obscured by grease.

Comprehensive Identification Guide
- Common Marking Locations
| Component | Marking Position |
|---|---|
| Cone | Large end face |
| Cup | Outer diameter |
| Package | Label/box |
- Number Format Examples
| Bearing Type | Example Number |
|---|---|
| Metric | 30206 |
| Inch Series | LM67048 |
| Special Design | 32006X/Q |
-
When Numbers Are Missing
- Measure bore, OD, and width
- Count roller quantity
- Note contact angle
-
Professional Identification Tools
- Bearing cross-reference books
- Digital calipers
- Manufacturer catalogs
How do you read wheel bearing numbers1?
Wheel bearing codes follow similar patterns but have unique identifiers. Misreading causes safety risks.
Wheel bearing numbers combine standard bearing codes with vehicle-specific prefixes. The last digits still indicate bore size while middle numbers show design variations.

Wheel Bearing Number Breakdown
- Standard vs Wheel Bearing Codes
| Element | Standard Bearing | Wheel Bearing |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | Series code | Vehicle code |
| Main # | Size/type | Size/type |
| Suffix | Features | ABS/seals |
- Common Wheel Bearing Prefixes
| Prefix | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| BR | Timken |
| FAG | FAG |
| KOYO | Koyo |
- Special Wheel Bearing Features
| Suffix | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A | ABS sensor |
| W | Integrated seal |
| Z | Zinc plating |
- Decoding Example: BR930456A
- BR = Timken wheel bearing
- 930 = Design series
- 45 = Bore diameter code
- 6 = Version
- A = ABS compatible
Conclusion
Mastering bearing number interpretation ensures correct replacements and prevents equipment failures. Always verify numbers before ordering.