INA GE160-DO-2RS-A 160x230x105 - Radial Spherical Plain Bearing

GE160-DO-2RS-A INA 160x230x105 mm - Radial Spherical Plain Bearing

INA GE160-DO-2RS-A is a radial spherical plain bearing manufactured by INA, a brand of Schaeffler, with dimensions of 160x230x105 mm. It belongs to the GE series and features a steel-on-steel sliding contact pair, spherical inner and outer ring surfaces, and seals on both sides. The DO designation identifies a design requiring lubrication, while 2RS indicates double-sided sealing. The bearing is intended for heavily loaded pivoting joints and applications requiring angular misalignment accommodation.

Technical Specifications - INA GE160-DO-2RS-A

The dimensions and construction correspond to INA/Schaeffler technical catalog information. Load ratings, bearing mass and additional operating parameters should be verified against the current manufacturer's product data for the exact designation.

What Does GE160-DO-2RS-A Mean?

GE160 - Bearing Series and Size

GE identifies a radial spherical plain bearing.

The number 160 indicates the nominal bore diameter of 160 mm.

The bearing has the following principal dimensions:

• Bore diameter: 160 mm.

• Outside diameter: 230 mm.

• Inner ring width: 105 mm.

• Outer ring width: 80 mm.

DO - Steel-on-Steel Sliding Contact

The DO suffix identifies a steel-on-steel sliding contact combination requiring lubrication and maintenance.

The spherical sliding surfaces are designed to accommodate oscillating or pivoting movements under load.

Proper lubrication is essential to control friction, wear and operating temperature.

2RS - Seals on Both Sides

The 2RS suffix indicates seals on both sides of the bearing.

These seals help:

• Reduce the ingress of external contaminants.

• Retain lubricant within the bearing.

• Protect the sliding contact surfaces.

• Support reliable operation in suitably maintained bearing arrangements.

The presence of seals does not make this steel-on-steel bearing maintenance-free.

A - Modified Internal Design

The A suffix identifies a modified internal design according to INA manufacturer nomenclature.

It should be retained when identifying or ordering the bearing because internal design variations can affect interchangeability.

INA - Manufacturer

INA is a Schaeffler brand associated with rolling bearings, plain bearings, linear motion components and industrial bearing solutions.

Dimensions of INA GE160-DO-2RS-A

The principal bearing dimensions are 160x230x105 mm.

The difference between inner ring width B and outer ring width C is an important construction characteristic.

When replacing an existing spherical plain bearing, both widths must be checked rather than relying only on the three principal dimensions.

Construction and Operating Principle

INA GE160-DO-2RS-A is a spherical plain bearing, not a rolling bearing.

It does not contain balls, rollers or a rolling element cage.

Instead, movement occurs through direct sliding contact between the spherical surfaces of the inner and outer rings.

The bearing consists of:

• Inner ring with a spherical outer sliding surface.

• Outer ring with a matching spherical inner sliding surface.

• Steel-on-steel sliding contact surfaces.

• Seals on both sides.

• Lubrication provisions appropriate to the bearing design.

The spherical geometry allows angular movement between the inner and outer rings.

This enables the bearing to accommodate oscillating motion, pivoting movement and permissible angular misalignment.

Unlike conventional rolling bearings, the load is transmitted through the sliding contact surfaces rather than through discrete rolling elements.

Steel-on-Steel Sliding Contact

The steel-on-steel design is intended for applications involving substantial mechanical loads and controlled sliding movement.

Its operating performance depends on:

• Contact pressure.

• Sliding velocity.

• Oscillation angle.

• Lubrication conditions.

• Operating temperature.

• Surface condition.

• Contamination.

• Load direction and duty cycle.

The steel-on-steel combination requires a suitable lubricant to reduce friction and protect the contacting surfaces against excessive wear.

It should not be confused with maintenance-free spherical plain bearings that use alternative sliding materials.

Radial and Axial Load Accommodation

Radial Loads

GE160-DO-2RS-A is primarily designed to accommodate radial loads.

The spherical sliding contact arrangement distributes load across the contact surfaces according to the bearing geometry and operating conditions.

Axial Loads

A radial spherical plain bearing can also accommodate axial loads within the limitations of its design.

However, it should not automatically be used as a substitute for a spherical plain thrust bearing.

Permissible axial loading must be evaluated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Combined Loading

When radial and axial loads act simultaneously, bearing selection must account for the resulting load distribution and the operating limits of the sliding contact surfaces.

Load Ratings and Operating Parameters

Technical sources for GE160-DO-2RS-A do not consistently report identical values for load ratings and bearing mass.

Some technical listings attribute the following values to this bearing:

• Dynamic load rating: 1360 kN.

• Static load rating: 6800 kN.

However, these values should not be treated as definitively confirmed for the exact INA version without checking the current Schaeffler product documentation.

For this reason, they are not included as verified specifications in the main technical data table.

What Determines the Bearing's Load Capacity?

The permissible operating conditions depend on:

• Radial and axial loading.

• Static and dynamic load conditions.

• Contact pressure.

• Sliding speed.

• Oscillation frequency.

• Lubrication.

• Operating temperature.

• Required service life.

For spherical plain bearings, dynamic load rating has a different engineering interpretation from the fatigue-life rating used for rolling bearings.

Selection should therefore follow the appropriate spherical plain bearing calculation method.

INA GE160-DO-2RS-A vs Other Versions

These versions should not be regarded as automatically interchangeable.

Even when principal dimensions are identical, differences in sliding materials, lubrication requirements, seals and internal construction may affect suitability.

Selection and Interchangeability

Before purchasing or replacing INA GE160-DO-2RS-A, verify:

1. Complete manufacturer designation GE160-DO-2RS-A.

2. Manufacturer and required design version.

3. Bore diameter of 160 mm.

4. Outside diameter of 230 mm.

5. Inner ring width of 105 mm.

6. Outer ring width of 80 mm.

7. Steel-on-steel sliding contact combination.

8. Seals on both sides.

9. Lubrication requirements.

10. Radial and axial loads.

11. Required angular movement.

12. Oscillation frequency and sliding velocity.

13. Operating temperature.

14. Shaft and housing fits.

15. Requirements of the original machine design.

Identical boundary dimensions do not guarantee complete technical interchangeability.

Is GE160ES-2RS an Equivalent?

GE160ES-2RS is sometimes encountered as a comparison or cross-reference designation for spherical plain bearings of similar dimensions.

However, it should not be considered an automatically approved replacement for INA GE160-DO-2RS-A.

Before substitution, verify:

• Boundary dimensions.

• Inner and outer ring geometry.

• Sliding contact materials.

• Load ratings.

• Sealing arrangement.

• Lubrication requirements.

• Permissible operating conditions.

A replacement should only be selected after confirming compatibility with the application.

Typical Applications

Due to its steel-on-steel sliding construction and ability to accommodate angular movement, this type of spherical plain bearing may be used in appropriately designed:

• Heavy-duty industrial pivot joints.

• Hydraulic cylinder connections.

• Mechanical linkage systems.

• Industrial articulation mechanisms.

• Oscillating mechanical assemblies.

• Heavily loaded machine joints.

• Industrial equipment requiring angular misalignment accommodation.

These are typical applications for this bearing category, not confirmed OEM applications for the specific GE160-DO-2RS-A part number.

Installation and Maintenance

Cleanliness During Installation

Clean the shaft, housing and mounting surfaces before installation.

Contamination can damage the bearing's sliding surfaces and sealing elements.

Correct Fits

Verify shaft and housing tolerances according to the bearing arrangement and manufacturer's recommendations.

Incorrect fits may cause unwanted movement, deformation or mounting difficulties.

Mounting Forces

Apply mounting forces to the ring being installed.

Avoid uncontrolled transmission of installation forces through the sliding contact surfaces.

Seal Protection

Protect the seals against cuts, deformation and contamination during handling and installation.

Lubrication

Use a lubricant suitable for the steel-on-steel sliding contact combination and the actual operating conditions.

The relubrication interval should be determined according to load, movement, temperature and environmental conditions.

Storage

Store the bearing in a clean, dry environment, preferably in its original protective packaging until installation.

Alternative Designations and Reference Numbers

The product may be identified using the following designation formats:

• INA GE160-DO-2RS-A

• GE160-DO-2RS-A INA

• GE 160 DO 2RS A INA

• GE160DO2RSA

• Schaeffler GE160-DO-2RS-A

These are identification and formatting variants of the same manufacturer designation, not separate confirmed OEM part numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions of INA GE160-DO-2RS-A?

The bore diameter is 160 mm, the outside diameter is 230 mm and the inner ring width is 105 mm. The outer ring width is 80 mm.

Is GE160-DO-2RS-A a rolling bearing?

No. It is a radial spherical plain bearing. It uses spherical sliding surfaces rather than balls or rollers.

What does DO mean?

DO identifies a steel-on-steel sliding contact combination requiring lubrication and maintenance.

What does 2RS mean?

2RS indicates seals on both sides of the bearing, helping protect the sliding surfaces against contamination and retain lubricant.

Is INA GE160-DO-2RS-A maintenance-free?

No. The steel-on-steel sliding contact combination requires appropriate lubrication and periodic maintenance.

Can this bearing accommodate axial loads?

A radial spherical plain bearing can accommodate limited axial loads, depending on the bearing design and operating conditions. It should not automatically replace a dedicated spherical plain thrust bearing.

Is GE160ES-2RS interchangeable with GE160-DO-2RS-A?

Not automatically. Dimensions, sliding contact materials, load ratings, sealing arrangements and lubrication requirements must be verified before substitution.

What is the difference between a spherical plain bearing and a spherical roller bearing?

A spherical plain bearing transmits load through sliding contact between spherical surfaces. A spherical roller bearing uses rolling elements between its rings. The two bearing types have different operating characteristics and selection criteria.

GE160-DO-2RS-A INA - Key Technical Information

INA GE160-DO-2RS-A is a radial spherical plain bearing measuring 160x230x105 mm. It features a steel-on-steel sliding contact combination, seals on both sides identified by 2RS, and a modified internal design identified by A. Designed for heavily loaded pivoting connections, it accommodates angular movement and misalignment and requires periodic lubrication.

INA Spherical Plain Bearings at simmering.pl

simmering.pl supplies INA spherical plain bearings, industrial rolling bearings, sealing components and mechanical spare parts for maintenance departments, equipment manufacturers and industrial service providers.

For accurate identification, specify the complete manufacturer designation GE160-DO-2RS-A INA and the dimensions 160x230x105 mm.

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