Arbitrarily matched bearings are specially manufactured so that when arranged arbitrarily and mounted close together, a certain internal clearance or preload and/or uniform load distribution can be obtained without the use of spacers or the like. Any paired bearing with a model suffix indicates internal clearance (CA, CB, CC) or preload (GA, GB, GC).

When ordering, you need to specify the number of individual bearings required, not the number of bearing sets.

When the load capacity of a single-row bearing is insufficient, use a paired installation (series configuration); or when the load is a composite load or an axial load acting in both directions, use a paired installation (back-to-back and face-to-face pairing).

The load lines are parallel when arranged in series, and the radial and axial loads are evenly shared by the bearings. However, the bearing set can only withstand axial loads acting in one direction. If the axial load acts in the opposite direction, or if there is a composite load, a third bearing that is adjusted relative to the series matched bearing must be added.

The load lines of the back-to-back matched bearings are separated from the bearing shaft. It can withstand axial loads acting in both directions, but the load in each direction can only be absorbed by one bearing. Back-to-back mounted bearings provide a relatively rigid bearing configuration and can withstand overturning moments.

The load lines of the face-to-face matched bearings converge toward the bearing shaft. It can withstand axial loads acting in both directions, but the load in each direction can only be absorbed by one bearing. This configuration is not as rigid as back-to-back pairing and is not well suited to withstand overturning moments.

Universally matched bearings also have advantages when used in conjunction with a single bearing. Most bearings are SKF Explorer series, so they have higher precision, load capacity and higher speed.