⚙️ Bearing Cross Reference Tool

Understanding Bearing Numbers

Bearing numbers follow international standards. Different manufacturers use the same base numbers with their own prefixes/suffixes.

Common Bearing Types

• Deep Groove Ball Bearings (6xxx): Most common type, general purpose applications
• Angular Contact (7xxx): High axial loads, often used in pairs
• Cylindrical Roller (Nxxx): Heavy radial loads, limited axial capacity
• Spherical Roller (22xxx, 23xxx): Very heavy loads, self-aligning
• Tapered Roller (3xxxx): Combined radial and axial loads, wheel bearings

Common Deep Groove Ball Bearings

Bearing	Bore (mm)	OD (mm)	Width (mm)	Typical Use
608	8	22	7	Skateboard wheels, inline skates
6000	10	26	8	Small electric motors
6200	10	30	9	Small machinery
6203	17	40	12	Electric motors, pumps
6004	20	42	12	General machinery
6205	25	52	15	Gearboxes, pumps
6305	25	62	17	Heavy machinery
6206	30	62	16	Industrial motors
6306	30	72	19	Heavy industrial

Bearing Suffix Meanings

• -2RS or -2RSH: Double rubber sealed (most common)
• -ZZ or -2Z: Double metal shielded
• -RS: Single rubber seal
• -Z: Single metal shield
• C3: Greater internal clearance (for thermal expansion)
• C4: Even greater clearance than C3
• P5, P6: Precision grades (higher = more precise)

Major Bearing Manufacturers

• SKF (Sweden): World's largest, premium quality, often standard reference
• NSK (Japan): High quality, automotive specialist
• NTN (Japan): Automotive and industrial, good quality
• FAG (Germany/Schaeffler): Premium German quality, INA brand too
• Timken (USA): Tapered roller specialist, heavy industry
• Koyo (Japan): Automotive focus, good value
• INA (Germany/Schaeffler): Needle bearings specialist

Bearing Selection Tips

• Measure carefully: Bore, OD, and width must match exactly
• Check seal type: 2RS for dusty/wet, ZZ for clean/high speed, open for oil bath
• Consider load: Radial vs axial loads determine bearing type
• Speed rating: Sealed bearings have lower max speed than open
• Quality matters: Cheap bearings fail quickly in critical applications
• Temperature: High temp needs special grease or sealed types

Installation Best Practices

• Never hammer directly on bearing - use press or bearing installation tool
• Heat bearing housing or cool bearing shaft for press fit installations
• Clean housing thoroughly before installation
• Use correct press tool - apply force to correct ring only
• Pre-fill open bearings with correct grease type
• Don't mix old and new bearings in paired applications
• Check shaft and housing tolerances before installation

Common Applications

Application	Typical Bearing	Notes
Wheel Bearings	Tapered Roller	Paired, adjustable preload
Electric Motors	6200, 6300 series	Usually sealed (2RS)
Pumps	6200 series	Consider water resistant seals
Gearboxes	6200, 6300 series	C3 clearance for heat
Conveyor Rollers	6300 series	Heavy duty seals
Fans/Blowers	6000, 6200 series	High speed rating