16003-ZZ bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 16003-ZZ is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 17 x 35 x 8 mm (bore x OD x width) with ZZ sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 17 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 35 mm |
| Width B | 8 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | ZZ |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 6.37 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 3.25 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 0.137 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 45000 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 22000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 32 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 16003-2Z |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)) · extracted 2026-09-27
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)); SKF® and SKF Explorer® are trademarks of AB SKF, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized SKF distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at skf.com.
Dimensions in inches & 16000-series range
| Bore d | 0.669 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 1.378 in |
| Width B | 0.315 in |
| ISO bore code | 03 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 9 mm |
| Smallest bore in 16000-series | 12 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 16000-series | 560 mm |
| Width range across 16000-series | 7–57 mm |
| Bore position in 16000-series (smallest first) | 3 of 40 |
| Bore above smallest 16000-series size | 5 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16003 | FAG | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | FAG counterpart FAG 16003 on the same 17×35×8 mm envelope with ratings within 10 % — interchange after checking seal, cage and precision details on both pages. |
| 16003-NTN | NTN | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | NTN bearing 16003 on the same 17×35×8 mm envelope, but catalogue C/C0 differ (6.37/3.25 kN vs 7.55/3.35 kN) — envelope interchange only after a load check. |
Interchange levels: full standard interchange · partial verify parameters · verify manual confirmation required. Links resolve to the equivalent model's specification page where available.
How the 16003-ZZ model number is decoded
In the 16000-series, bore code 03 follows the 10/12/15/17 mm exception table, so 16003 fits a 17 mm shaft. The envelope is 17×35×8 mm (0.669×1.378×0.315 in) with a 9.0 mm radial section height, C 6.37 kN, C0 3.25 kN and Pu 0.137 kN. SKF spells the double shield 16003-2Z (suffix 2Z); the shields are non-contact, retain grease and block coarse debris but are not liquid-tight. Limiting speed 22000 r/min, catalogue mass 32 g. A thin section saves space but leaves little margin for misalignment or shaft deflection.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- slew and indexing drives
- industrial electric motors
- gearboxes and speed reducers
- centrifugal and positive-displacement pumps
Known failure patterns
- fine-particle abrasion when non-contact shields let dust through in a dirty environment
- grease aging inside the shielded cavity with no relubrication path
- edge loading from shaft deflection or housing misalignment
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling once the catalogue L10 life is exceeded
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Catalogue ratings for 16003-ZZ (C 6.37 kN, C0 3.25 kN) are SKF figures from PUB BU/P1 17000; geometry revisions can change ratings without changing the designation, so keep the catalogue edition with the specification.
- Catalogue ratings for 16003-ZZ (C 6.37 kN, C0 3.25 kN) are SKF figures from PUB BU/P1 17000; geometry revisions can change ratings without changing the designation, so keep the catalogue edition with the specification.
- Shields on 16003-ZZ are non-contact: chips and coarse dust stay out, but water passes straight through — specify the sealed 16003-2RS for washdown duty.
- Do not pry the caps off 16003-ZZ to repack it; shield/seal damage leaves a gap that throws grease and admits dirt.
- Deep-groove geometry tolerates only minutes of misalignment; if the 35 mm housing bore cannot be aligned, move to a self-aligning bearing rather than shimming 16003-ZZ.
- Do not preload 16003-ZZ to silence it: a deep-groove ball bearing is not angular-contact, and axial preload only raises temperature and shortens grease life.
- For positions that need relubrication, choose the open execution of 16003 and design the housing with a grease path; shielded and sealed versions are intended as fit-and-forget units.
- A replacement 16003 should go onto inspected seats only: SKF mounting guidance calls for clean, burr-free journals within tolerance, since a large share of early failures traces back to damaged or worn seats.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of 16003-ZZ?
The SKF 16003-2Z measures 17 mm bore × 35 mm OD × 8 mm width (0.669 × 1.378 × 0.315 in), mass about 32 g. It has two non-contact sheet-metal shields.
How does the bore code in 16003 work?
Codes 00–03 follow the exception table (10, 12, 15, 17 mm): 16003 fits a 17 mm shaft. Code × 5 starts at code 04.
What is the speed rating of 16003-ZZ?
SKF lists a 45000 r/min thermal reference speed and a 22000 r/min mechanical limiting speed for 16003-2Z; real limits also depend on lubrication and fits.
What is the difference between 16003-ZZ and a same-bore 62-series bearing?
Section height differs: 16003-ZZ has a 9 mm radial section and C 6.37 kN; always match d, D and B — same bore alone never makes two bearings interchangeable.
Which fits should I use for 16003-ZZ?
With a rotating inner ring use roughly j5/k5 on the shaft and H7 in the 35 mm housing; reverse the interference if the outer ring rotates.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) on 2026-09-27. Read our editorial & correction policy.