In Spherical Roller Bearings, the raceway of outer ring is designed to have a spherical profile, whose centre coincides with the bearing’s centre point. These bearings are designed to operate in applications where there is significant misalignment, whether due to mounting or shaft deflection, with relatively strong radial loads in any direction and certain axial loads.

They are also highly resistant to shock loads and, despite shaft deflection, their self-aligning function allows maximum capacity loading.
The Self-Aligning Double Row Ball Bearings are somewhat similar in design, except that the Spherical Roller Bearings are designed to be more stable by handling heavy loads, but at lower maximum speeds. Spherical Roller Bearings with brass cages provide extra strength and durability in the most unrelenting conditions, including extreme shock and vibration, high acceleration forces and minimal lubrication.