Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-87522) of NN Ball and Roller, Inc. of our report dated January 17, 1997, appearing on page 20 in the 1996 Form 10-K. PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP Winston-Salem, North Carolina March 27, 1997