The needle roller bearing is a variation of the cylindrical roller bearing. The main difference is in roller design capacity. The roller quantities are higher and the diameter of each is thinner than usual. Full complement needle roller bearings do not have a cage.

In this type of bearing, one roller pushes against the other holding everything in place. Even though needle roller bearings have a low cross section, they have a high radial load capacity and are exceptionally suitable for bearing applications where radial space is limited.