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                                                                      Exhibit 23


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-13861) pertaining to the Eaton Corporation 401(k) Savings Plan for
the Hourly Rate Employees at Airflex Division of our report dated June 9, 2000,
with respect to the financial statements and schedule of the Eaton Corporation
401(k) Savings Plan for the Hourly Rate Employees at Airflex Division included
in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999.




                                               /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Cleveland, Ohio
June 26, 2000