Selection Guide
How to Select the Right Spherical Plain Bearing
Start with the joint load and pin size, then decide motion, maintenance, sealing, series envelope and the information that must be confirmed for quotation.
Six decisions that narrow the series
Load path
Identify radial, combined or shock loading and whether the joint carries load while nearly stationary.
Pin / bore
Set the nominal bore from the actual pin or drawing, then verify the least-worn replacement measurement.
Motion
Record articulation angle, oscillation frequency and whether the joint ever makes sustained rotation.
Maintenance
Choose a greaseable system only when the lubrication path can be serviced as intended.
Sealing
Describe dust, water, wash-down or other contaminants before deciding whether 2RS is useful.
Envelope & documents
Confirm D, B, C, shoulders, fit, materials and any drawing or inspection documents before release.
Series comparison
| Series | Lubrication | Sealing | Sliding pair | Bore range shown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE..E / GE..ES — Standard Radial | Maintenance required | Open / unsealed reference construction | Metallic sliding pair | 6–160 mm |
| GE..ES 2RS — Sealed Standard Radial | Maintenance required | Two-side lip seals | Metallic sliding pair | 15–160 mm |
| GEG..E / GEG..ES — Heavy-Duty Radial | Maintenance required | Open / unsealed reference construction | Metallic sliding pair | 6–120 mm |
| GEG..ES 2RS — Heavy-Duty Sealed | Maintenance required | Two-side lip seals | Metallic sliding pair | 15–120 mm |
| GE..C / GEG..C — Maintenance-Free PTFE | Maintenance-free sliding system | Open reference construction | Steel / PTFE composite | 6–30 mm |
| GE..ET 2RS — Maintenance-Free Fabric | Maintenance-free sliding system | Two-side lip seals | Steel / PTFE fabric | 15–120 mm |
| PB — Bronze Liner Series | Maintenance required | Open reference construction | Steel / bronze | 5–30 mm |
Still between two series?
Send the joint drawing and explain why the bearing needs to be greaseable, sealed, wider or maintenance-free.
