6003-2RS bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 6003-2RS is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 17 x 35 x 10 mm (bore x OD x width) with 2RS sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore diameter d | 17 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 35 mm |
| Width B | 10 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | 2RS |
| Internal clearance | CN / C3 available |
| 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 |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 13000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -30 to +110 °C |
| Mass | 39 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF 6003-2RSH |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) |
| Last verified | 2026-09-24 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)) · extracted 2026-09-24
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 & 6000-series range
| Bore d | 0.669 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 1.378 in |
| Width B | 0.394 in |
| ISO bore code | 03 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 9 mm |
| Smallest bore in 6000-series | 10 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 6000-series | 420 mm |
| Width range across 6000-series | 8–65 mm |
| Bore position in 6000-series (smallest first) | 4 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest 6000-series size | 7 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6003 | ISO 15 | verify Commonly quoted cross reference; confirm against the target catalog before ordering. | ISO 15 boundary-dimension envelope; seal suffix convention varies by brand (2RS / DDU / LLU / 2RSR) — verify seal design and temperature range. Brand-specific OEM equivalents pending multi-source data. |
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 model number is decoded
In the 6000-series (ISO 15 diameter series 0) the last two digits encode the bore: 6003 carries bore code 03 = 17 mm. Codes 00–03 follow the 10/12/15/17 mm exception table rather than code × 5. 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.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- small fans and blowers
- garden equipment
- instrument drives
- fractional-horsepower electric motors
Known failure patterns
- seal-lip hardening and loss of pre-grease in sustained high-temperature service
- grease-life expiry in the sealed-for-life cavity (no relubrication path)
- brinelling from static overload or hammering during mounting
- false brinelling from vibration while the shaft is stationary
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Bore codes 00–03 use the exception table: 6003 fits a 17 mm shaft — the code × 5 mnemonic does not apply below code 04 (it would imply 0 mm for code 00).
- The 60xx extra-light section at 17 mm bore uses a smaller 35 mm OD than a 6203; load ratings are lower, so do not replace a failed 62-series bearing with a 60-series without re-rating the load.
- Contact seals add drag and heat: 6003-2RS runs slower and cooler-limited than the open 6003; rubber lips are generally limited to roughly 80–110 °C continuous depending on grease, and C3 clearance is the common hot-duty choice.
- Never wash a sealed 6003-2RS in solvent or press it home via the outer ring; solvent destroys the grease thickener and mounting force through the seal deforms the lip.
- Assign fits by which ring rotates: an interference shaft fit for a rotating inner ring; if the outer ring rotates instead, reverse the logic — a loose rotating ring creeps and frets its seat.
- SKF catalogues the contact-sealed version as 6003-2RSH (older printings may read -2RS1); it is shipped pre-greased and its 13000 r/min limiting speed is set by seal-lip drag and grease life versus the open bearing's 45000 r/min thermal reference speed. The single-seal catalogue number is 6003-RSH, used where one shaft side needs external relubrication.
- A one-seal execution 6003-RSH exists for arrangements that lubricate through the open side; fitting 6003-2RSH instead means lifetime grease and no external oil supply — mixing the two in the same shaft can starve the sealed position.
- The 6.37/3.25 kN ratings here are SKF Explorer-class figures from catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018); SKF can revise internal geometry and ratings without changing the designation, so treat the catalogue version and date as part of the specification and re-verify for critical drives.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 6003-2RS bearing?
A 6003-2RS deep-groove ball bearing has a 17 mm bore, 35 mm outer diameter and 10 mm width (0.669 × 1.378 × 0.394 in), per ISO 15 boundary dimensions. It is fitted with two contact rubber seals and is normally pre-greased.
Why does 6003 not follow the bore-code × 5 rule?
Codes 00–03 use the exception table (10, 12, 15 and 17 mm): 6003 with code 03 has a 17 mm bore. The code × 5 convention starts at code 04 (20 mm).
What does the 2RS suffix on 6003-2RS mean?
2RS means two contact elastomer seals, one each side, usually over a lifetime grease fill. Sealing against dust and moisture is better than ZZ shields, but the lip drag lowers the speed and temperature ceiling.
How does the 6000 compare with other series at the same 17 mm bore?
The second digit is the diameter series: 60 is the smallest standard section (35×10 mm, 9.0 mm radial section) at 17 mm bore — below 62/63/64 in load capacity, for light loads in compact spaces.
What is the SKF designation and catalogue data for 6003-2RS?
In the SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue this size is listed as 6003-2RSH — two contact elastomer seals over a lifetime grease fill, 17×35×10 mm per ISO 15. Quoted values: C 6.37 kN, C0 3.25 kN, Pu 0.137 kN, limiting speed 13000 r/min, mass 39 g. Brand suffixes (2Z, 2RSH, 2RSL) differ from the industry-neutral spelling 6003-2RS.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) on 2026-09-24. Read our editorial & correction policy.