Spherical roller bearings consist of an outer ring having a continuous sperical raceway centered within and two rows of barrel-shaped roller operating in seprate raceway grounds ground into the inner ring with a center rib to guide the roller. This type of bearing has a self aligning nature. So, it can be used in cases where misalignment between the inner and outer ring occur from shaft mounting error of shaft deflections.
The allowable misalignment for these bearings, being varied due to the dimensional series and loading conditions, is about 0.0009 radian (0.5') for ordinary loads, this angel can be upto 0.035 radians (2').
These bearing have a large capacity of radial loads, axial loads in either direction, and combinations of these loads. They are also suited for applications where vibration and/or impact forces are encountered.

There are other types or bearings having cylinderical or taper bore diameters. Bearings with tapered bore diameters are specified by attaching the suffix "K" at the end of the basic number. The taper is generally 1/12, however, a taper of 1/30 is made for bearings of series 240 and 241 which are specified by attaching the suffix "K-30" at the end of the basic number. In most cases, bearings with tapered bore diameters are mounted on the shaft by means of an adapter or withdrawal sleeve. When the outer diameter of spherical roller bearings is 320mm or more, an oil hole and oil groove provided in the outer ring to supply lubricant.