6018-RSR 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 6018-RSR model number is decoded

6018-RSR uses two non-contact elastomer lips with very low drag; coarse debris stays out, but the bearing is not liquid-tight. Within the extra-light 60xx section (diameter series 0 of ISO 15), multiplying bore code 18 by five gives the 90 mm bore; the 140 mm outside diameter and 24 mm width follow the same boundary-dimension plan. For a rotating inner ring on a 90 mm shaft under normal load, catalogue practice seats it on a k5 shaft fit with an H7 housing bore — confirm against the actual load direction and magnitude before committing. NSK's non-contact seal suffix is VV (catalogue number 6018VV), mapped here from the industry-neutral -RSR spelling; speed capability is close to the open bearing but VV is not liquid-tight.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Large bores like the 90 mm of 6018-RSR demand clean, burr-free seats; one raised burr under a ring this size cocks the bearing and concentrates load at the raceway edge, cutting life drastically.
• The 60xx extra-light section at 90 mm bore uses a smaller 140 mm OD than a 6218; load ratings are lower, so do not replace a failed 62-series bearing with a 60-series without re-rating the load.
• The low-drag lip of 6018-RSR barely touches the inner ring; after long shelf storage the grease can separate, so rotate the rings by hand and confirm smooth, silent running before fitting.
• The non-contact lip of 6018-RSR does not retain a lifetime grease fill the way a contact seal does; confirm the regreasing interval for the 90 mm bore position before relying on it as sealed-for-life.
• Do not quieten a noisy bearing by preloading it: the 6000-series is a deep-groove design, not angular-contact; axial preload raises temperature and shortens grease life.
• Axial location must clamp the ring face, not the seal area: a shoulder or circlip bearing on the seal side of the 24 mm-wide ring of 6018-RSR drags the lip and overheats it.
• NSK catalogues this low-friction non-contact seal as 6018VV (suffix VV), mapped here from the industry-neutral -RSR spelling. NSK rates its speed capability close to the open bearing, but VV is not liquid-tight — for wet or fine-dust duty step up to the DDU contact seal (industry-neutral -2RS).
• At 90 mm bore 6018 is in NSK's medium industrial range; the pressed-steel cage is standard, but large-section 63xx sizes at this bore can be ordered with a machined brass cage (suffix M) for heavy-shock or very-low-speed duty — confirm cage material with the NSK channel if the application sees impact loads.
• NSK rates 6018 at 64 kN dynamic (C) and 50 kN static (C0); this upper-medium rating covers conveyor and gearbox drives, but at these loads the pressed-steel cage can be the limiting factor under shock — consider the machined brass cage (suffix M) for impact duty.
• At 1190 g (1.2 kg), 6018 needs mechanical handling for mounting; NSK recommends induction heating the inner ring (max 120 °C) rather than pressing cold, and a lifting eye if the housing is pre-assembled.
• The 90×140×24 mm envelope of 6018 gives a D/d ratio of 1.56 and 25.0 mm radial section height — this NSK thin section saves space but is sensitive to misalignment and shock; confirm the housing stays round within IT7 and the shaft does not deflect past the raceway contact angle under load.
• The 64/50 kN load ratings, mass 1190 g here are NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C catalogue figures for 6018VV on the 90×140×24 mm ISO 15 envelope; internal geometry and ratings legitimately differ between brands, so re-verify before substituting another manufacturer's 6018 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.
• 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.
• When replacing a failed unit, inspect the shaft and housing seats before fitting the new 6018 — a new bearing pressed onto a worn or oval seat reproduces the original failure mode in a fraction of its expected life.