Face-to-face arrangement

In the face-to-face (X) arrangement, the pressure lines of two angular contact or tapered roller bearings converge toward the bearing axis, crossing between the bearings to form an "X". The pressure centers lie closer together than in the back-to-back arrangement, giving a smaller effective support base.

Tilting rigidity is therefore lower, but the arrangement is less sensitive to misalignment between bearing positions and shaft deflection. Axial loads are carried in both directions, one bearing each. It is often chosen when adjustment is made via the outer rings, for example through a housing cover, which simplifies setting clearance or preload during mounting.