6003-2RS-NSK bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

Specification table

Source: catalog reference (NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C) · extracted 2026-09-24

Cross references & equivalents

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 6003-2RS-NSK model number is decoded

In the 6000-series (diameter series 0 of ISO 15) the last two digits encode the bore: 6003 carries bore code 17 = 17 mm. Outside diameter 35 mm and width 10 mm come from the ISO 15 boundary-dimensions general plan. Suffix -2RS denotes two contact-type elastomer seals over a lifetime grease fill; the sealing lips add drag compared with open or shielded versions. For normal-load mounting with a rotating inner ring on a 17 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a j5 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude. NSK's contact-seal catalogue number is 6003DDU (suffix DDU), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling; it is greased for life and the contacting lip lowers the speed ceiling versus the open bearing.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• At 17 mm bore the ring mass is significant: heat 6003 on an induction heater (max 120 °C), never over an open flame, and plan puller access or a withdrawal sleeve now for the day it has to come off again.
• Choosing the 60xx extra-light section saves radial space at 17 mm bore, but the trade-off is rating: if the drive sees shock or frequent start-stop cycles, re-check the L10 life against a 6217 before committing to the smaller envelope.
• Heat is the enemy of the sealed 6003-2RS: sustained running near the lip temperature limit hardens the rubber, after which grease escapes and dirt tracks in — watch the housing temperature in hot drives.
• Never wash a sealed 6003-2RS-NSK in solvent or press it home via the outer ring; solvent destroys the grease thickener and mounting force through the seal deforms the lip.
• Grease compatibility is not guaranteed between fills: mixing lithium and polyurea thickeners in a 6000-series position can soften the mixture and leak — clean out the old fill before switching grease types.
• Vibration during standstill brinells the raceways of a 17 mm bearing at ball spacing; if the machine sits idle next to running equipment, turn the shaft over periodically or isolate the arrangement.
• NSK catalogues the contact-sealed version as 6003DDU (suffix DDU), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling; it is greased for life and the contacting lip lowers the speed ceiling versus the open bearing. NSK's DDU lip design is single-lip contact, so grease life is longer than VV but drag torque is higher.
• At 17 mm bore the 6003 sits in NSK's small-bore range; NSK ships these sizes with a pressed-steel cage and P0 tolerance as standard, and NSK's EA (extra-precision) or P5 class is a special-order upgrade for spindle duty — do not assume catalogue P0 figures hold for instrument use without an NSK engineering check.
• NSK rates 6003 at 6.6 kN dynamic (C) and 3.25 kN static (C0); this light-to-medium rating suits fractional-horsepower drives and instruments — for conveying or gearbox duty with shock loads, verify the equivalent dynamic load stays well below C.
• At only 41 g, 6003 is a lightweight NSK bearing that can be handled by hand; still, press it onto the shaft with a sleeve against the inner ring — never through the balls or outer ring.
• The 17×35×10 mm envelope of 6003 gives a D/d ratio of 2.06 and 9.0 mm radial section height — a heavy NSK section built for high-load, lower-speed duty; specifying it in a high-rpm motor generates excess heat and shortens grease life, so prefer a 62/63-series there.
• The 6.6/3.25 kN load ratings, mass 41 g here are NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C catalogue figures for 6003DDU on the 17×35×10 mm ISO 15 envelope; internal geometry and ratings legitimately differ between brands, so re-verify before substituting another manufacturer's 6003 in a rated drive. NSK does not tabulate reference or limiting speeds in the E1103 Part C dimension tables used for this page — consult NSK's separate speed-rating tables before high-speed service.
• Keep NSK bearings in the original packaging until fitting: the wrapper carries the production lot, and the unopened shelf life of greased sealed units is typically quoted at three to five years in dry, vibration-free storage.
• NSK does not recommend washing new shielded or sealed bearings; the rust-preventive film on open units is compatible with standard lithium greases and needs no removal unless the application demands a special fill.