Frequently Asked Questions About Bearings and Industrial MRO

Common questions about bearings, power transmission, and industrial supplies from RBC Industrial.

What types of bearings does RBC Industrial carry?

RBC Industrial stocks ball bearings (deep groove, angular contact), roller bearings (cylindrical, tapered, spherical, needle), mounted bearings (pillow block, flange), and thrust bearings. We carry all common sizes from SKF, Timken, and MRC.

What is the difference between shielded and sealed bearings?

Shielded bearings (ZZ) have metal shields that block debris while allowing relubrication. Sealed bearings (2RS) have rubber seals that protect against contaminants but cannot be relubricated. Shielded for clean environments, sealed for dirty or wet environments.

How do I choose the right bearing for my application?

Consider three factors: load type (radial, axial, or combined), operating speed, and environmental conditions. Ball bearings for moderate loads at high speeds. Roller bearings for heavy loads at lower speeds. Contact our engineering team for specific recommendations.

What brands does RBC Industrial distribute?

We are authorized distributors for SKF, Timken, Martin Sprocket and Gear, Browning (Regal Rexnord), Leeson Electric Motors, 3M, Rexnord, TB Woods, SEW Eurodrive, Bando, and 50 more manufacturers.

Do you deliver industrial supplies to Ciudad Juarez?

Yes. RBC Industrial is located at 3950 Doniphan Dr in El Paso, minutes from the border. We serve maquiladoras in Ciudad Juarez with same-day availability on many products.

How quickly can I get a quote from RBC Industrial?

Same-day response on quotes. Submit part numbers, drawings, or specifications through our contact form, email sales@rbc-industrial.com, or call (915) 845-8188.

Can RBC Industrial help with obsolete or hard-to-find parts?

Yes. We specialize in sourcing hard-to-find components and reverse-engineering obsolete parts to keep your equipment running without costly retooling.

What industries does RBC Industrial serve?

We serve manufacturing, food processing, mining, oil and gas, water treatment, agriculture, and general industrial facilities across Texas, the Southwest, and northern Mexico.

Does RBC Industrial have engineers on staff?

Yes. Our sales team includes experienced mechanical engineers who provide technical support for bearing selection, belt sizing, coupling specification, and system design.

What are RBC Industrial's business hours?

We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Mountain Time. Same-day quotes available during business hours. Call (915) 845-8188.

What type of products do you stock?

RBC Industrial stocks a comprehensive range of industrial MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) supplies. Our inventory includes ball bearings, roller bearings, mounted bearings, and specialty bearings from SKF, Timken, and MRC; power transmission components like belts, sheaves, chain, sprockets, bushings, couplings, gearboxes, and speed reducers; electrical products including electric motors, circuit breakers, contactors, relays, and switches; plus seals, abrasives, adhesives, conveyor components, press and die components, mold components, safety equipment, and tools. If you don't see what you need, our engineering team can source or reverse-engineer custom parts.

What is the lifecycle of a bearing? What is the shelf life of a bearing?

These are two distinct concepts. Bearing Lifecycle (Operating Life): A bearing's operating lifecycle is measured by the industry-standard L10 rating, which is the number of operating hours at which 90% of identical bearings can be expected to achieve or exceed before material fatigue appears. Typical lifespans range from 30,000 to 80,000 hours depending on load, speed, lubrication, and operating conditions. Proper lubrication, alignment, and maintenance are the biggest factors in maximizing bearing life. Bearing Shelf Life (Storage Life): Open bearings have a shelf life of approximately 3 years when stored in original unopened packaging under proper conditions (cool, dry, vibration-free, below 60% humidity at 22 C). Sealed and shielded bearings have a shelf life of 3 to 10 years limited by grease lubricant stability. SKF recommends a maximum of 3 years for sealed bearings. Oil-lubricated components can last up to 10 years. Always follow FIFO inventory rotation and inspect bearings stored more than 3 years before installation.