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What Is a Flanged Bearing? Understanding When and Why They're Used

When shopping for bearings, you've probably come across the term flanged bearing and wondered:

"What's the difference between a flanged bearing and a standard bearing?"

While both types perform the same basic function, flanged bearings offer unique installation advantages that make them ideal for many RC, industrial, manufacturing, and hobby applications.

At FastEddy Bearings, we supply flanged bearings for everything from RC vehicles and fishing reels to machine shops, manufacturing equipment, and custom prototype projects.

What Is a Flanged Bearing?

A flanged bearing is simply a ball bearing with an additional lip, or flange, built into the outer race.

The flange extends beyond the outside diameter of the bearing and acts as a built-in stop when installed into a housing.

Think of the flange as a shoulder that prevents the bearing from moving completely through its mounting location.

How Does a Flanged Bearing Work?

Functionally, a flanged bearing operates exactly like a standard ball bearing.

The difference is the flange provides:

• Positive positioning
• Easier installation
• Improved alignment
• Reduced risk of bearing migration

The flange helps ensure the bearing remains seated in the correct position during operation.

Why Use a Flanged Bearing?

One of the biggest advantages of a flanged bearing is installation simplicity.

Benefits include:

• Easier assembly
• More accurate positioning
• Reduced parts count
• Simplified manufacturing
• Consistent bearing placement

Common RC Applications for Flanged Bearings

• Steering systems
• Bellcranks
• Transmission housings
• Wheel hubs
• Gearboxes
• Servo savers

Many RC manufacturers use flanged bearings to simplify assembly and maintain proper bearing location.

Industrial Applications

• Manufacturing equipment
• Conveyor systems
• Robotics
• Automation equipment
• Prototype development
• Small machinery

Flanged vs Standard Bearings

Flanged Bearings

• Easy positioning
• Simplified installation
• Reduced movement
• Positive location

Standard Bearings

• More common
• Wider selection
• Often lower cost

Neither design is necessarily better. The correct choice depends on the application.

How to Identify a Flanged Bearing

A flanged bearing can be identified by the lip extending from one side of the outer race.

For example:

• 5mm ID
• 10mm OD
• 4mm Width
• 11mm Flange Diameter

Why Manufacturers Use Flanged Bearings

• Simplify assembly
• Improve consistency
• Reduce machining costs
• Eliminate additional retention hardware

Why Choose FastEddy Bearings?

With over 8,000 SKUs available, FastEddy Bearings supplies high-quality flanged bearings for RC vehicles, fishing reels, manufacturers, machine shops, and countless specialty applications.

Final Thoughts

Flanged bearings may look slightly different than standard bearings, but their built-in locating flange provides important installation and positioning advantages.

Whether you're rebuilding an RC vehicle, designing a prototype, or maintaining industrial equipment, understanding when and why flanged bearings are used can help ensure proper bearing selection and long-term reliability.

At FastEddy Bearings, we're committed to helping customers find the right bearing for every application.

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