Spherical roller bearings typically have two rows of rollers, a common sphered outer ring raceway and two inner ring raceways inclined at an angle to the bearing axis. The center point of the sphere in the outer ring raceway is at the bearing axis which permits the bearings to self-align. The center point is also insensitive to misalignment of the shaft relative to the housing, which can be caused by shaft deflection.

These bearings are designed to accommodate both heavy radial and axial loads in both directions.  Spherical roller bearings are available with either a cylindrical or tapered bore.