Ceramic vs. Steel Bearings: Which Are Better for Aviation Applications?

Bearings are among the most vital components in aviation design, ensuring that the moving parts of countless assemblies benefit from facilitated movement, increased load handling, and reduced friction. Whether found within engines, landing gear systems, control mechanisms, or auxiliary equipment, such hardware components are necessary for maintaining safety and performance. As such, selecting the right type of bearing is not a decision to be taken lightly, as the materials used for construction will directly influence durability, load capacity, maintenance requirements, and operational lifespan.

Within aviation, two primary bearing materials are widely used, these being ceramic and steel. Each option offers unique advantages and limitations that must be carefully considered based on the specific requirements of an application, making it necessary for professionals to have a basic understanding of both materials. In this blog, we will explore the characteristics of ceramic and steel bearings in detail, comparing their performance and applications to help aviation professionals make informed purchasing decisions.

The Basics of Ceramic Bearings in Aviation

Ceramic bearings are crafted from reliable materials like silicon nitride or zirconium dioxide, though other substances may also be used. Unlike their steel counterparts, ceramic bearings are not metallic, this significant difference imparting them with unique performance characteristics.

Key Attributes

• Lightweight Construction: Ceramic is approximately 60% lighter than steel, reducing overall bearing mass for similar sized hardware. This is especially valuable in aviation, where weight reduction translates directly into improved efficiency.
• High Hardness and Wear Resistance: Ceramic bearings exhibit excellent resistance to wear, extending service life and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
• Low Thermal Expansion: These bearings are less prone to expansion under heat when compared to steel alternatives, maintaining tight tolerances in high-temperature environments like turbine engines.
• Electrical Insulation: Ceramic bearings provide insulation from electrical currents, making them suitable for applications where electrical discharge is a concern.
  

The Applications of Ceramic Bearings in Aircraft

Ceramic bearings are often selected for high-performance, high-stress areas where conventional bearings might fail prematurely.

• Jet Engines: The resistance of ceramic materials to high temperatures and wear makes bearings made from them ideal for use in turbine assemblies.
• Auxiliary Power Units (APUs): The ability of ceramic bearings to withstand continuous operation in demanding environments enhances their use in APUs.
• Avionics Cooling Fans: The insulating properties of ceramic bearings within cooling fans can serve to protect sensitive avionics and electronics from risk.
  

The Basics of Steel Bearings in Aviation

Steel bearings typically made from high-grade stainless or chrome steel have long been the industry standard in aviation for their proven reliability.

Key Attributes

• High Load Capacity: Steel bearings generally excel in managing heavy radial and axial loads, making them quite suitable for structural and mechanical systems.
• Durability and Toughness: The robust construction offered by steel ensures these bearings withstand impact and shock loads, which are common in flight and landing operations.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to ceramic bearings, steel options are often more affordable, both in terms of initial purchase and replacement.
• Ease of Availability: As the most common bearing type, steel bearings are readily available across the aerospace supply chain.
  

The Applications of Steel Bearings in Aircraft

Steel bearings continue to be indispensable in areas where strength and load-bearing capacity are more critical than weight reduction concerns.

• Landing Gear Assemblies: The ability of steel to handle immense stress during takeoff and landing makes bearings made from such materials a necessity.
• Flight Control Systems: Steel bearings ensure smooth motion transfer in mechanical linkages and actuation mechanisms that are necessary for flight control.
• Hydraulic Pumps and Gearboxes: Their strength and resistance of steel to shock loads ensures bearings provide reliable performance for pumps and gearboxes under continuous operation.
  

Choosing the Right Bearing Your Needs

The decision between ceramic and steel bearings depends on several factors, with the following being common considerations that can support you in narrowing down an option.

• Application Environment: For engine and high-heat applications, ceramic bearings are often the more effective choice. Meanwhile, steel remains the best for load-intensive systems like landing gear.
• Budget Considerations: Organizations prioritizing long-term durability may lean toward ceramic options despite their initially higher cost. Otherwise, those focusing on the cost-effectiveness of fleet-wide maintenance may prefer steel.
• Weight Sensitivity: For aircraft models where efficiency and reduced fuel consumption are paramount, ceramic bearings can offer several advantages.
  

Procure Aviation Bearings of Need Today

For those looking to procure quality-assured ceramic or steel bearings that can be steadily relied on through rigorous flight operations, look no further than Aviation Domain 360, an ASAP Semiconductor purchasing platform. Here, we connect customers with over 6 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard–to-find items, our hardware selection being carefully sourced from reputable manufacturers and subject to thorough inspections to ensure quality. 

Take the time to explore our website, making sure to utilize our curated catalogs and search tools to narrow down needs. Once you are ready to make a purchase, taking the first step is as simple as filling out and submitting a Request for Quote (RFQ) form on our website. With a wide selection of aviation bearings and hands-on service from industry experts always provided, get in touch to see why so many professionals choose Aviation Domain 360.

1. nortan ted
2. Posted on October 3, 2025
aviation

Related Blogs