Overview
The SKF SAF 538 split pillow block housing is a durable bearing support unit engineered for power transmission, machinery alignment, and industrial automation environments. As a split-housing design, the SAF 538 allows straightforward bearing installation without requiring full shaft removal, reducing downtime during maintenance and equipment replacement.
Key Features
- Split housing design enables convenient bearing installation and removal
- Four-bolt base mounting provides secure, rigid installation on equipment frames
- Cast iron construction delivers strength and heat dissipation in demanding applications
- Accommodates standard spherical roller bearings (22238 series compatible)
- Precision-machined bearing seat ensures proper bearing alignment and load distribution
Technical Specifications
- Bore Diameter: 6.9375 inches (equivalent to 7″ nominal)
- Housing Material: Cast Iron (ASTM A48 Grade 35)
- Mounting Type: Four-Bolt Base (23″ bolt hole spacing)
- Overall Length: 28 inches
- Overall Height: 15.6875 inches
- Overall Width: 10.75 inches
- Housing Style: Split Pillow Block
- Weight: Approximately 269 lbs
- Base Width: 7.5 inches
- Base to Bore Centerline: 7.8750 inches
- Sealing: Includes aluminum triple-seal labyrinth rings (LOR 155)
Typical Applications
The SAF 538 split housing unit serves in textile mills, fan and pump installations, conveyor systems, and manufacturing equipment where shaft alignment flexibility and quick bearing service are critical. The 7-inch bore accommodates medium to heavy-duty shaft applications operating at moderate to high speeds. The split-housing feature makes this unit ideal for retrofit installations and locations where shaft removal is impractical.
Compatibility & Replacements
Compatible With
- SKF spherical roller bearings: 22238CCK/W33, C2238K series
- SKF split bearing cartridge systems
- Standard ISO metric and inch shaft sizes (7″ bore diameter)
- Factory equipment and industrial machinery base frames
Replaces / Drop-In Replacement For
- Verify compatibility with your system integrator before ordering, as bearing housing interchangeability depends on mounting footprint and bearing fit specifications
Works With
- SKF bearing assembly and installation guidelines
- Standard industrial lubrication practices (grease-filled designs available)
- Power transmission systems using pillow block mountings
- OEM equipment requiring standardized bearing support platforms
