6021-2RS bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

Specification table

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.

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 6021-2RS model number is decoded

In the 6000-series (diameter series 0 of ISO 15) the last two digits encode the bore: 6021 carries bore code 21 = 105 mm. Outside diameter 160 mm and width 26 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 105 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a m6 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude. SKF's contact-seal catalogue number is 6021-2RS1 (older text: -2RS1), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• At 105 mm bore the ring mass is significant: heat 6021 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 105 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 6221 before committing to the smaller envelope.
• Contact seals add drag and heat: 6021-2RS runs slower and cooler-limited than the open 6021; rubber lips are generally limited to roughly 80–110 °C continuous depending on grease, and C3 clearance is the common hot-duty choice.
• Heat is the enemy of the sealed 6021-2RS: 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.
• The housing bore for the 160 mm OD should be round within IT7; an oval bore pinches the outer ring of 6021-2RS and shows up later as two-point loaded raceway wear.
• Measure the shaft, do not trust the drawing: a 105 mm nominal journal worn by even 0.02 mm turns an interference seat into a creeping fit that frets the bore of 6021-2RS.
• SKF catalogues the contact-sealed version as 6021-2RS1 (older printings may read -2RS1); it is shipped pre-greased and its 2400 r/min limiting speed is set by seal-lip drag and grease life versus the open bearing's 8500 r/min thermal reference speed. The single-seal catalogue number is 6021-RS1, used where one shaft side needs external relubrication.
• A one-seal execution 6021-RS1 exists for arrangements that lubricate through the open side; fitting 6021-2RS1 instead means lifetime grease and no external oil supply — mixing the two in the same shaft can starve the sealed position.
• The 76.1/65.5 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.