A spherical roller bearing consists of a locking feature, an outer ring, and an inner ring which is enclosed by the former in the axial direction. This bearing permits angular rotation to a central point in two orthogonal directions. Spherical roller bearings support a rotating shaft in the bore of the inner ring which must move not only rotationally but to a certain angle.

Most spherical roller bearings have an outer raceway that is a portion of a sphere making them internally self-aligning. Each roller has a curved form correctly angled to the rotation’s direction which conforms closely to the inner and outer raceways. The housing gives this type of bearing a high radial load carrying capacity.