FBJ spherical roller bearings are becoming increasingly popular. This is not surprising, as the brand has become the standard replacement for major brands thanks to its outstanding value for money and reliability.
Who is behind the FBJ bearing brand?
When you’ve been greasing bearings for decades, you quickly learn to distinguish between the boxes lined up on the shelf. The name Fuji Bearing Japan (FBJ) appeared in 1999 when they took over the expertise of the legendary FKC; since then, they have been incorporating more than half a century of Japanese experience into their products. The factory operates under the ISO 9001 quality management system, ensuring the manufacture of industrial components within tolerance limits.
What makes FBJ roller bearings special?
Spherical roller bearings carry two rows of barrel-shaped rolling elements, enabling them to withstand enormous radial loads and significant axial loads while compensating for up to 3° of angular misalignment between the inner and outer ring axes – which is why chain crushers, mining shredders, and paper industry rollers remain viable despite housing deformations.
FBJ spherical roller bearing: design details
- Series: the catalog includes series from 21000 to 24100, including the popular 22200/22300/23000/23100 families.
- Bore design: cylindrical (-) or 1:12 tapered (K) bore, allowing for quick mounting on the shaft with a pull-off sleeve.
- W33 grooving: circular crown and 3 lubrication holes in the outer ring; so that the grease nipple really delivers the lubricant to the rollers.
- Internal clearance: CN, C3, C4 standard range; maintenance-friendly, because larger (C3/C4) backlash can be selected for hot operation, so the bearing does not seize on the heated shaft.
- Cage material: steel (CC), split brass (MB/CA) – choose the brass version if you expect impact or vibration.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Material and heat resistance data
- Bearing steel: vacuum-deoxidized, high-carbon chromium steel (SUJ2), heat-treated to a hardness of 58–65 HRC.
- Basket material: cold-rolled steel sheet (SPCC) or split brass.
- Operating temperature range: –15 °C ↔ +120 °C in continuous operation; beyond this range, individual engineering consultation is required.
- Lubrication guideline: 30–50% grease filling (lithium-based EP grease). In a clean environment with dn < 50,000, 18–30 months; in dusty/damp environments, daily replenishment may be required.
Where can FBJ barrel roller bearings be used without hesitation?
- Mining and crushing/screening machines: mud, dust, impact – no problem if the W33 grease distribution is OK.
- Paper and steel rolls: continuous high radial load, thermal expansion, shaft deflection – the double row of rollers can handle it.
- Drive drums, conveyor belt supports: shaft deflection is common here, the bearing floats but does not jam.
- Energy (biomass shredder, turbo fan): medium speed, shock loads.
When is the FBJ bearing not the ideal choice?
- High-speed CNC spindles, turbo compressors: cylindrical roller bearings or precision angular contact ball bearings are suitable here; barrel roller bearings are too heavy and have high rolling resistance.
- Pharmaceutical environment: the open W33 bearing does not comply with dust-free requirements; a closed stainless steel or ceramic hybrid bearing is more suitable here.
- Locations with only axial loads: axial roller or angular contact ball bearings are suitable here.
FBJ spherical roller bearings vs. premium brands
During a tight maintenance window, maintenance personnel are not interested in marketing labels, but in obtaining bearings immediately at a reasonable price. FBJ’s price falls between standard and premium, but experience shows that dimensional accuracy, surface roughness, and clearance variation are stable—there are no sudden changes in vibration even after commissioning. In addition, the factory is ISO 9001 certified, and BEX, as the official Hungarian distributor of FBJ, delivers within 24 hours, which, from a maintenance perspective, is equivalent to an insurance policy.
What customer benefits do FBJ spherical roller bearings offer?
- Price/value: Fair price, but no unknown risks.
- Wide selection: The catalog contains the same series, bore and clearance ranges as premium competitors.
- Installability: standard ISO tolerances → can be hammered in (with a plastic insert!), but can also be tightened with a hydraulic nut.
- Lubrication: W33 is included as standard, so there is no need to turn an extra groove in the bearing housing.
- Available from stock in Hungary: practically on the counter the next day.
FBJ barrel roller bearings and return on investment
FBJ barrel roller bearings do not seek to dethrone premium brands, but offer a safe middle ground in the world of everyday maintenance: Japanese roots, ISO 9001 certification, a complete range of standards, and friendly prices.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about FBJ roller bearings
- What temperature can I heat the FBJ roller bearing to before mounting?
Use an induction heater to heat it to 110–120°C, but do not exceed 125°C – this is also specified as the limit in the catalog. - What clearance reduction should I aim for with a tapered (1:12) sleeve?
0.20–0.35‰ × d for manual nuts, 0.25–0.40‰ × d for hydraulic nuts. E.g. d = 120 mm → 0.03–0.05 mm. - What should I do if the bearing is stuck on the shaft?
1) Pull it off on both sides,
2) Heat it to 80–90°C,
3) Stepwise tensioning.
If it does not move, cool it down and repeat. - When should the lubricant be refilled in a W33 FBJ bearing?
In clean operation, 18–30 months / 10,000 operating hours; in dusty or damp environments, weekly or daily greasing. - What is the vibration range after proper running-in?
ISO 10816-3 B zone: ≤ 2.8 mm/s. For new FBJ roller bearings, 1.5–2.2 mm/s is typical. - Which lubricant should I choose for high impact loads?
EP-additive lithium complex or calcium sulfonate grease, NLGI 2. - How does the bearing behave when the machine is in a 90°C environment?
It is fine from a steel perspective, but the grease ages quickly; refresh after 45 days of downtime, then rotate by hand before starting.
You can find all the tools you need for removing, installing, and maintaining bearings in our online store at shop.simatec.hu.
You can find our FBJ product range in our online store at csapagy.hu.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our expert colleagues!
