<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23.A
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>l92079aex23-a.txt
<DESCRIPTION>EXHIBIT 23(A)
<TEXT>
<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 23

                         Consent of Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to The Company Savings Plan for the Employees of Timken
France of our report dated February 1, 2001, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of The Timken Company included in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP




Canton, Ohio
December 21, 2001


</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
