Self-aligning ball bearings are particularly suitable:
if there is skewing between the outer and inner ring (for the compensation of angular misalignments)
for bearing arrangements with high radial loads for higher speeds on account of their point contact, than barrel roller bearings with line contact
where bearings with the above-mentioned characteristics are expected to run more quietly and at lower temperatures, even at high speeds.

Self-aligning ball barings have two rows of balls, a common sphered raceway in the outer ring and two deep uninterrupted raceway grooves in the inner ring. They are available open or sealed. The bearings are insensitive to angular misalignment of the shaft relative to the housing ，which can be caused, for example, by shaft deflection.