Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings: A Complete Guide

If you're looking for double row angular contact ball bearings, choosing the right bearing involves more than simply matching the bore and outside diameter. The bearing needs to handle the required radial and axial loads, operating speed, temperature, mounting arrangement, and expected precision.

At Kashyap Bearing, we help customers identify the right bearing based on the actual machine requirement rather than selecting a bearing only by size. Whether you need double row angular contact bearings for pumps, gearboxes, machine tools, electric motors, industrial machinery, or other applications, you can share the bearing number, dimensions, photograph, or application details with our team to identify a suitable option.

Kashyap Bearing has been serving customers from SP Road, Bangalore since 1987, supplying a wide range of bearings and industrial products for different applications.

📍 #11/1 SP Road, Bangalore 560002 📞 9448516463 / 8951322259 💬 WhatsApp us with your bore size and application — we'll tell you exactly which double row angular to buy.

What Are Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings?

Double row angular contact ball bearings are rolling-element bearings designed to accommodate both radial loads and axial loads.

They use two rows of balls arranged with angular contact between the balls and raceways.

This design allows the bearing to handle loads acting in more than one direction while providing greater rigidity than many standard single-row bearing arrangements.

A double row angular contact ball bearing can be thought of as providing performance similar to having two angular contact bearings arranged together, but within a single bearing unit.

They are commonly used where the machine requires:

• Radial load support

• Axial load support

• Combined loading

• Greater rigidity

• Controlled shaft positioning

• Compact bearing arrangements

Why Are Double Row Angular Contact Bearings Used?

The main reason for using a double row angular contact bearing is its ability to support combined radial and axial loads.

A conventional deep groove ball bearing can also handle both radial and axial loads, but applications with higher axial loading, greater rigidity requirements, or more demanding positioning requirements may benefit from an angular contact design.

Double row angular contact bearings are commonly considered for:

• Pumps

• Gearboxes

• Machine tools

• Electric motors

• Industrial machinery

• Material-handling equipment

• Automotive components

• Textile machinery

• Agricultural equipment

• Precision machinery

The exact suitability depends on the bearing design and operating conditions.

How Does a Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearing Work?

The balls inside the bearing run along raceways that are designed with an angular contact arrangement.

This contact angle allows the bearing to react to both radial and axial forces.

When a radial load is applied, the bearing supports the load perpendicular to the shaft.

When an axial load is applied, the angular arrangement allows the bearing to accommodate the force along the shaft.

With two rows of balls, the bearing can provide improved stability and load distribution compared with a simple single-row arrangement.

This makes double row angular contact bearings useful when the shaft is exposed to combined loading from different directions.

Double Row Angular Contact vs Deep Groove Ball Bearings

These two bearing types are often confused because both can support radial and axial loads.

However, their designs and typical applications can be different.

Feature	Double Row Angular Contact	Deep Groove Ball Bearing
Radial load capacity	High	High
Axial load capacity	High for combined loading	Moderate to good
Combined loads	Excellent	Good
Rigidity	Generally higher	Moderate
Two rows of balls	Yes	Usually one row
Typical use	Combined loads and higher rigidity	General rotating machinery
Mounting	More application-specific	Generally simple
Cost	Generally higher	Generally economical

A deep groove ball bearing may be the practical choice for a general-purpose motor or conveyor.

A double row angular contact bearing may be considered when the application has significant axial loading, combined loads, or requires greater rigidity.

Double Row Angular Contact vs Single Row Angular Contact

Both bearing types use angular contact principles, but their construction differs.

1. Single Row Angular Contact Ball Bearing

A single-row angular contact bearing has one row of balls.

It is commonly used where high-speed operation, precision, or controlled axial loading is required.

Single-row angular contact bearings are frequently arranged in pairs to support axial loads in both directions.

2. Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearing

A double-row bearing incorporates two rows of balls into a single bearing.

This can provide:

• Axial load support in both directions

• Greater rigidity

• Better resistance to tilting moments

• Compact installation compared with using two separate bearings

The choice between single-row and double-row designs depends on the machine arrangement.

Types of Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings

Double row angular contact bearings are available in different configurations.

1. Open Double Row Angular Contact Bearings

Open bearings don't have external seals or shields.

They can be suitable when:

• External lubrication is required

• The bearing operates inside a protected housing

• Heat dissipation is important

• Regular maintenance is possible

Because they are open, they require greater protection from contamination.

2. Sealed Double Row Angular Contact Bearings

Sealed bearings incorporate seals to protect the internal components and retain lubricant.

They can be useful for applications where:

• Dust is present

• Moisture is present

• Maintenance access is limited

• Contamination needs to be reduced

The seal type and material should match the operating environment.

3. Shielded Bearings

Shielded configurations use protective metal shields.

They can provide protection against larger contaminants while allowing the bearing to operate with relatively low friction.

The choice between shielded and sealed designs depends on the application's contamination, speed and lubrication requirements.

Advantages of Double Row Angular Contact Ball Bearings

Double row angular contact bearings offer several advantages.

1. Handles Combined Loads

They can support radial and axial loads simultaneously.

2. Axial Load in Both Directions

Their two-row arrangement allows them to accommodate axial forces acting in both directions.

3. Greater Rigidity

The bearing arrangement can provide greater rigidity compared with many standard single-row bearings.

4. Compact Design

One double-row bearing can sometimes replace a pair of single-row bearings, helping simplify the bearing arrangement.

5. Better Support Against Tilting

The two-row configuration provides better resistance to tilting moments in suitable applications.

6. Reduced Assembly Complexity

Using one bearing instead of two separately mounted bearings can simplify the overall machine design.

Limitations of Double Row Angular Contact Bearings

Despite their advantages, they aren't suitable for every application.

1. Higher Cost

They can be more expensive than standard deep groove ball bearings.

2. Installation Requirements

Proper mounting and alignment are important for achieving reliable performance.

3. Speed Limitations

Some double-row angular contact bearings may have lower speed capabilities than certain single-row angular contact designs.

4. Temperature Considerations

Operating temperature can affect the lubricant, internal clearance, seals and bearing life.

5. Application-Specific Selection

Choosing solely by dimensions can result in an unsuitable bearing if the load and speed requirements aren't considered.

Common Applications of Double Row Angular Contact Bearings

1. Pumps

Pumps can experience both radial and axial forces depending on their design.

Double row angular contact bearings can be considered where combined loading and shaft support are important.

Applications can include:

• Industrial pumps

• Water pumps

• Centrifugal pumps

• Process pumps

• Agricultural pumps

The bearing should be selected according to the pump's operating conditions and shaft loads.

2. Gearboxes

Gearboxes can generate significant radial and axial forces.

The bearing needs to support these loads while maintaining shaft positioning.

Double row angular contact bearings can be suitable in certain gearbox arrangements where combined loading is present.

3. Machine Tools

Machine tools often require:

• Rigidity

• Accurate positioning

• Controlled shaft movement

• Reliable operation

Angular contact bearing designs can be used in appropriate machine-tool applications.

The exact bearing type depends on the spindle speed, precision and load requirements.

4. Electric Motors

Electric motors primarily generate radial loads, but some motor designs can also experience axial forces.

Double row angular contact bearings can be used in certain motor arrangements where additional axial support is required.

However, a standard deep groove ball bearing may be more suitable for many general-purpose motors.

5. Textile Machinery

Textile machinery often operates continuously and may require reliable bearing performance.

Double row angular contact bearings can be used in suitable rotating assemblies where combined loading is present.

6. Agricultural Equipment

Agricultural machinery can experience:

• Dust

• Vibration

• Shock loads

• Radial loads

• Axial loads

A suitable double row angular contact bearing can provide combined load support in selected applications.

Sealing and contamination protection are particularly important in such environments.

7. Industrial Machinery

Industrial machinery can involve complex combinations of radial, axial and moment loads.

Double row angular contact bearings can be used where their load-handling characteristics match the machine's requirements.

Double Row Angular Contact Bearing Sizes

Double row angular contact ball bearings are available in different sizes to accommodate various shaft diameters and machine designs.

When selecting a bearing, check:

• Bore diameter

• Outside diameter

• Width

• Bearing series

• Internal clearance

• Sealing arrangement

• Contact angle

• Load rating

The bearing number provides important information about the product's dimensions and configuration.

However, different manufacturers can use different suffixes and designations.

Therefore, always verify the complete bearing number before ordering.

How to Choose the Right Double Row Angular Contact Bearing

Choosing the right bearing requires looking at the entire application.

1. Check the Bore Diameter

The first dimension to identify is the shaft diameter.

The bearing bore must correctly match the shaft and mounting arrangement.

2. Check the Outside Diameter

The outside diameter needs to fit within the available housing or machine structure.

3. Check the Width

Bearing width affects both the available mounting space and the overall bearing arrangement.

4. Check Radial Load

Determine the radial force acting perpendicular to the shaft.

This is particularly important for:

• Pulleys

• Gears

• Rotors

• Shafts

• Pumps

5. Check Axial Load

Determine the amount and direction of axial force.

Ask:

• Is the axial load continuous?

• Is it intermittent?

• Does it act in both directions?

• Is there a significant thrust load?

This information helps determine whether a double row angular contact design is suitable.

6. Check Operating Speed

RPM is important because bearing friction and heat generation increase with speed.

Check the manufacturer's permissible speed for the exact bearing configuration.

7. Check Operating Temperature

Consider the temperature of:

• The surrounding environment

• The shaft

• The housing

• The lubricant

High temperatures may require a different lubricant, seal or bearing specification.

8. Check Lubrication

The bearing needs suitable lubrication throughout its operating life.

Depending on the application, lubrication may be provided using:

• Grease

• Oil

• Specialized lubricants

The lubricant must be compatible with the operating speed and temperature.

9. Check the Environment

Consider exposure to:

• Dust

• Water

• Chemicals

• Coolant

• Metal particles

• Humidity

A sealed or shielded bearing may be more appropriate for contaminated environments.

What to Actually Check Before You Buy

Before ordering a double row angular contact ball bearing, don't simply provide the bearing diameter.

1. Check the Existing Bearing Number

If you're replacing an existing bearing, look for the complete number marked on the bearing.

Take a clear photograph if the marking is difficult to read.

2. Measure the Bearing

If the number isn't available, measure:

• Inside diameter

• Outside diameter

• Width

These dimensions can help identify the correct bearing.

3. Check the Load

Provide both radial and axial load information whenever possible.

4. Check the RPM

Tell the supplier the approximate operating speed.

5. Check the Mounting Arrangement

Determine how the bearing is installed and whether it is:

• Direct mounted

• Housing mounted

• Shaft mounted

• Preloaded

• Installed as part of a bearing pair

6. Check the Environment

Tell the supplier if the bearing operates around:

• Water

• Dust

• Coolant

• Chemicals

• High temperatures

• Outdoor conditions

7. Check the Seal

If contamination is present, determine whether a sealed or shielded configuration is appropriate.

8. Check the Manufacturer

For critical applications, confirm the manufacturer and complete bearing specification before purchasing.

1. Bearing Clearance and Preload

Two important terms to understand when dealing with angular contact bearings are clearance and preload.

2. Bearing Clearance

Internal clearance refers to the amount of internal movement between the bearing components before the bearing is installed and loaded.

3. Incorrect clearance can affect:

• Heat generation

• Bearing life

• Noise

• Load distribution

• Bearing Preload

Preload means applying a controlled internal load to the bearing arrangement.

It can help improve:

• Rigidity

• Positioning accuracy

• Shaft stability

• Reduction of internal play

However, excessive preload can increase friction and operating temperature.

For this reason, preload should be selected according to the application rather than applied unnecessarily.

Double Row Angular Contact Bearing Installation

Correct installation is essential for bearing performance.

Before installation:

• Clean the shaft and housing.

• Check the shaft and housing dimensions.

• Inspect the bearing for damage.

• Use the appropriate mounting method.

• Apply suitable lubrication if required.

• Ensure proper alignment.

• Avoid applying force through the rolling elements.

• Confirm that the bearing rotates smoothly after installation.

Never force a bearing into position using the wrong component as a contact point.

Improper installation can cause:

• Raceway damage

• Ball damage

• Excessive vibration

• Noise

• Premature bearing failure

Common Mistakes When Buying Double Row Angular Contact Bearings

1. Choosing Only by Size

A bearing may fit physically but still have insufficient load capacity.

2. Ignoring Axial Load

Angular contact bearings are often selected specifically because of their axial load-handling capability.

3. Ignoring Speed

A bearing designed for one speed range may not be suitable for a significantly faster application.

4. Choosing the Wrong Seal

The wrong seal can reduce bearing performance in dusty or wet environments.

5. Incorrect Installation

Even a high-quality bearing can fail prematurely if mounted incorrectly.

6. Mixing Bearing Specifications

Replacing a bearing with a visually similar product isn't enough.

The complete bearing designation should be checked.

Why Buy Double Row Angular Contact Bearings From Kashyap Bearing?

When you're looking for double row angular contact ball bearings in Bangalore, the challenge isn't simply finding a bearing that fits the shaft.

The important part is matching the bearing type, dimensions, radial load, axial load, speed, lubrication, sealing and mounting arrangement to your application.

At Kashyap Bearing, you can share your existing bearing number, photograph, dimensions or machine requirements with the team.

This makes it easier to identify the appropriate bearing rather than selecting one based only on size.

Kashyap Bearing has been serving customers from SP Road, Bangalore since 1987, supplying a wide range of bearing products for industrial and mechanical applications.

Whether you need a double row angular contact bearing for a pump, gearbox, electric motor, machine tool, agricultural machine, textile machine or industrial equipment, providing the actual application details can help narrow down the right product.

If you're unsure whether you need a deep groove ball bearing, single row angular contact bearing, double row angular contact bearing or another bearing arrangement, speak with the Kashyap Bearing team before purchasing.

The right bearing is the one that matches the machine's actual load, speed and operating conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Double Row Angular

1. What are double row angular contact ball bearings?

Double row angular contact ball bearings are rolling-element bearings designed to support both radial and axial loads using two rows of balls arranged with angular contact.

2. What is the advantage of a double row angular contact bearing?

Its main advantages include combined radial and axial load capacity, support for axial loads in both directions, greater rigidity and a compact bearing arrangement.

3. What is the difference between a double row angular contact bearing and a deep groove ball bearing?

Both can support radial and axial loads, but double row angular contact bearings are specifically designed for combined loading and can provide greater rigidity in suitable applications.

4. Can double row angular contact bearings handle axial loads?

Yes. Their angular contact arrangement allows them to support axial loads, including loads acting in both directions depending on the specific bearing design.

5. Are double row angular contact bearings suitable for high-speed applications?

Some are suitable for high-speed operation, but their permissible speed depends on the bearing design, size, lubrication, sealing and operating conditions.

6. Where are double row angular contact bearings used?

They can be used in pumps, gearboxes, machine tools, motors, textile machinery, agricultural equipment and industrial machinery.

7. What is bearing preload?

Preload is a controlled internal load applied to a bearing arrangement to improve rigidity, positioning and shaft stability. Excessive preload can increase friction and heat.

8. How do I identify a double row angular contact bearing?

Start with the complete bearing number. If the number isn't visible, measure the bore, outside diameter and width and provide a photograph to a bearing supplier.

9. How long do double row angular contact bearings last?

Bearing life depends on load, speed, lubrication, alignment, contamination, installation and operating temperature.

10. Can a double row angular contact bearing replace a deep groove ball bearing?

Not automatically. The replacement needs to be checked for dimensions, load capacity, speed, internal configuration and mounting requirements.

11. Where can I buy double row angular contact bearings in Bangalore?

You can contact Kashyap Bearing on SP Road, Bangalore for double row angular contact bearing requirements. Share the bearing number, dimensions or application details so the appropriate bearing can be identified.

Final Word

Double row angular contact ball bearings are designed for applications where radial and axial loads need to be handled together while maintaining good rigidity and shaft support.

Their two-row angular contact construction makes them useful for applications involving combined loads, axial forces in both directions, tilting moments and compact bearing arrangements.

However, choosing the correct bearing requires more than matching the dimensions.

Before purchasing, check the bore diameter, outside diameter, width, radial load, axial load, operating speed, temperature, lubrication, sealing and mounting arrangement.

If you're replacing an existing bearing, start with the complete bearing number and dimensions. For a new application, provide the supplier with the machine's load, RPM and operating conditions.

And if you're unsure which double row angular contact ball bearing is right for your application, Kashyap Bearing can help you narrow down the available options. Share your bearing number, dimensions or application requirements with the team before purchasing so you can select a bearing that actually matches your machine rather than choosing one based only on size.