Can’t Find the Right Bearing? Here’s How to Custom Order One 

Scenario: Your legacy equipment needs a bearing that’s nowhere to be found. 

You’ve searched all the catalogs, checked with multiple suppliers, and tried to substitute with close matches. Nothing fits quite right. That’s when you realize—it’s time to look into custom bearings. 

Ordering a custom bearing might seem complicated, but with the right information and process, it’s actually straightforward. Whether you’re maintaining legacy systems, building prototypes, or dealing with harsh environments, you have options. 

 

When Should You Order a Custom Bearing? 

You should consider made-to-order bearings when: 

• Your machine uses obsolete bearing sizes no longer in production 

• Your design requires special dimension bearings that don’t follow standard specs 

• You need custom shaft size bearings for non-standard shafts or housings 

• You want specific material or seal choices not found in stock products 

• You're trying to match OEM replacement bearings for legacy or discontinued machines 

Custom solutions also make sense when working in extreme conditions—high loads, high speeds, corrosive environments, or temperature extremes. 

 

Step-by-Step: How to Order Custom Bearings 

Here’s what to expect when placing a custom bearing order with a supplier like Online Bearing Store: 

Step 1: Identify the Need 

Determine why off-the-shelf parts won’t work. Is it a size issue? Material need? Load capacity? Noise concerns? 

Ask yourself: 

• Is the issue dimensional mismatch? 

• Are the operating conditions too severe for standard materials? 

• Do I need higher RPMs or lower noise? 

Knowing this upfront saves time during the custom bearing design process. 

Step 2: Gather Technical Specs 

To get an accurate quote, you’ll need the following: 

Basic Measurements: 

• Bore diameter 

• Outer diameter 

• Width 

• Shoulder dimensions (if applicable) 

Performance Requirements: 

• Load ratings (radial and axial) 

• Speed (RPM) 

• Operating temperature range 

Application Details: 

• Type of motion (rotary, linear) 

• Lubrication method (grease, oil, dry) 

• Exposure to chemicals, water, dust, or high pressure 

Materials and Components: 

• Ball/roller material (chrome steel, stainless steel, ceramic) 

• Cage material (brass, steel, nylon) 

• Seal type (metal shield, rubber seal, contact/non-contact) 

• Preferred or required standards (ABEC, ISO, JIS) 

This level of detail allows engineers to develop the right solution with minimal delays. It's part of effective bearing manufacturing support. 

 

Common Types of Custom Bearings 

Not all custom bearings start from scratch. You can often modify or tweak standard styles: 

• Deep groove ball bearings with unique tolerances 

• Needle roller bearings with specific load specs 

• Flanged or non-flanged variations 

• Split bearings for easier installation 

• Special coatings (PTFE, zinc, phosphate) 

If your project requires more than just tweaking, you’ll enter full bespoke industrial bearings territory—designed completely from scratch. 

 

Why Work with Online Bearing Store? 

Finding hard-to-find bearings or designing custom ones can be frustrating. That’s where Online Bearing Store excels. 

They offer: 

• Bearing sourcing services for rare and legacy items 

• Rapid engineering support for custom bearing design 

• Domestic and overseas production options 

• Prototype to full-scale production runs 

• Clear communication throughout the quoting and manufacturing process 

Whether you’re an MRO manager replacing outdated parts or an OEM designer needing special dimension bearings, Online Bearing Store helps bridge the gap between idea and product. 

 

Cost & Lead Time Considerations 

What Affects Price? 

• Order volume: One-offs cost more than small batches 

• Material selection: Ceramics or exotic alloys raise price 

• Design complexity: More engineering = higher cost 

• Tolerances: Tighter specs usually cost more 

What Affects Lead Time? 

• Whether the bearing is a tweak or full custom 

• Material availability 

• Domestic vs overseas manufacturing 

• Number of approvals or design iterations 

Simple modifications may take 2–3 weeks. Full designs can take 4–12 weeks depending on complexity. 

 

Example Scenarios 

Legacy CNC Machine 

A customer needs a bearing size that hasn’t been manufactured in 25 years. No aftermarket match is available. 

Solution: Reverse-engineer the original bearing. Online Bearing Store produces a short run of OEM replacement bearings with updated materials and seals. 

Food Processing Equipment 

An engineer requires a bearing that can handle frequent washdowns and exposure to caustic cleaners. 

Solution: A custom shaft size bearing made from stainless steel with FDA-grade seals and lubricant. 

Prototype Electric Motor 

The shaft has an uncommon diameter, and the housing only allows a specific outer diameter. No off-the-shelf bearing fits both. 

Solution: A made-to-order bearing is designed to meet both dimensions, with high-speed tolerances and ceramic balls for low friction. 

 

Tips for a Smooth Custom Order 

• Start early—lead times are real 

• Be detailed—measure twice 

• Ask questions—don’t guess on materials or load 

• Provide drawings, samples, or CAD files if available 

• Clarify your performance needs (speed, environment, lifespan) 

• Confirm tolerances, clearance, and fit 

• Be open to expert suggestions—they may improve your design 

 

Internal Links You Might Find Helpful 

If you’re unsure what kind of base bearing to modify, explore: 

• Deep Groove Ball Bearings 

• Needle Roller Bearings 

• Flanged Bearings 

These common categories serve as starting points for many custom bearing design projects. 

 

FAQs About Custom Bearings 

Q1: How do I know when to custom order instead of modifying a standard bearing? 
A: If you're changing multiple specs (bore, OD, seals, materials), or facing fitment issues even after shimming or adapting, it's time to go custom. 

Q2: What’s the minimum order quantity for made-to-order bearings? 
A: It depends on the design, but small batch runs (5–10 units) are often available. For complex or high-cost builds, one-off prototypes can be made. 

Q3: How long does it take to get custom bearings? 
A: It can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks. Tweaks to standard designs are faster. Full bespoke industrial bearings require more engineering time. 

Q4: What if I don’t have technical drawings or CAD files? 
A: No problem. You can send photos, a sample part, or even the machine dimensions. The engineering team can reverse-engineer the hard-to-find bearings. 

Q5: Are custom bearings only for industrial equipment? 
A: Not at all. They’re used in everything from robotics and drones to custom vehicles and medical tools. 

Q6: Can I order waterproof or chemical-resistant custom bearings? 
A: Yes. You can choose materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or sealed designs depending on your use case. 

Q7: Do I need to pay for design time? 
A: Usually, the engineering time is included in your quote. Some highly custom projects may involve a small non-refundable engineering fee. 

Q8: Can I match old OEM part numbers? 
A: Yes. Online Bearing Store can source or reproduce OEM replacement bearings, even when the original manufacturer is out of business. 

Q9: Do you offer rush production? 
A: Expedited options may be available depending on the complexity and materials. Ask during your quote request. 

Q10: How do I request a quote for custom bearings? 
A: Use this custom quote form, or call their support team with your bearing specs and project needs. 

 

Ready to stop wasting time with poor substitutes? If you’re working with custom shaft size bearings, outdated machinery, or unusual tolerances, it’s time to consider custom bearings. Let Online Bearing Store help you get the right fit, every time.