Which bearing is better, C3 or C4?

Nov 20, 2025

The core difference between C3 and C4 bearings lies in the size of the radial clearance of the bearings, with C4 bearings having larger clearance than bearings

 

The Clearance Value And Grouping Of Bearings


C3 bearing: The radial clearance is0.013mm to 0.028mm (taking deep groove ball bearings as an example), and the clearance is greater than the standard group (C0), belonging to the large clearance group.
C4 bearing: The original radial clearance is 0.023mm to larger, and the clearance is further increased compared to C3, then C4 is larger in the clearance group.

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Application


C3 bearings: they are uitable for environments with high speed and vibration, such as high-speed motors or situations with thermal expansion. During operation, this kind of bearings can reduce wear by increasing clearance to maintain smooth operation of the equipment.
C4 bearings: they are used for working conditions with more severe vibrations, greater installation errors that require compensation, or extreme thermal expansion, such as heavy machinery or high-temperature equipment, but may sacrifice some accuracy and lifespan.

 

The Clearance Grouping System Of Bearings


The radial clearance of bearings is divided into 6 groups (C1,C2,C0,C3,C4,C5 and the clearance increases in sequence. C0 is the standard group, and annotations are usually omitted; C3 and C4 are both large clearance groups, and the selection should be based on actual vibration, speed, and temperature conditions.

 

How to choose C3 or C4 bearings


When we choose bearings, the following factors need to be considered comprehensively:


1. Working conditions: We should know the working environment and operating conditions of the equipment, then choose the suitable goods. If the equipment operates in a high-speed, high vibration environment, C3 bearings are a better choice; If the equipment needs to cope with strong vibrations and impacts, C4 bearings should be selected.


2. Service life: Considering the service life of bearings, it is necessary to choose the type of bearing based on the maintenance cycle and replacement of the equipment. Generally, C3 bearings have a relatively long service life and are suitable for situations that require long-term stable operation; C4 bearings are more suitable for short-term, high-intensity working scenarios.


In summary, there are significant differences between C3 and C4 bearings in terms of radial clearance, application scenarios, and service life. When selecting, the actual needs and working environment of the equipment should be fully considered to ensure the selection of suitable bearing types.If you do not know it very well, please contact us to learn more about them.

 

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