6038-M bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 6038-M is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 190 x 290 x 46 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 190 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 290 mm |
| Width B | 46 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 195 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 216 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 5.85 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 4800 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 3800 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 11000 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 6038 M |
| 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 & 6000-series range
| Bore d | 7.48 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 11.417 in |
| Width B | 1.811 in |
| ISO bore code | 38 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 50 mm |
| Smallest bore in 6000-series | 4 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 6000-series | 1150 mm |
| Width range across 6000-series | 4–155 mm |
| Bore position in 6000-series (smallest first) | 37 of 61 |
| Bore above smallest 6000-series size | 186 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6038-ZZ | NSK | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | NSK counterpart NSK 6038ZZ on the same 190×290×46 mm envelope with ratings within 10 % — interchange after checking seal, cage and precision details on both pages. |
| 6038 | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | SKF SKF 6038 (open arrangement) shares the 190×290×46 mm envelope with ratings within 10 % — execution variant of the same size; boundary dimensions interchangeable. |
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 6038-M model number is decoded
In the 6000-series, the last two digits encode the bore: 6038 carries code 38 = 190 mm (code × 5). The envelope is 190×290×46 mm (7.48×11.417×1.811 in) with a 50.0 mm radial section height, C 195 kN, C0 216 kN and Pu 5.85 kN. The open 6038 M carries no shields or seals and relies on application lubrication and external sealing. The M suffix identifies the machined brass cage execution, a separate order number from the pressed-steel version. Limiting speed 3800 r/min, catalogue mass 11000 g.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- pulp and paper machinery
- marine deck machinery
- crusher auxiliary drives
- large industrial gearboxes
Known failure patterns
- contamination wear when the open arrangement is used without external seals
- lubricant starvation where no regreasing interval is maintained
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling once the catalogue L10 life is exceeded
- brinelling from static overload or hammer blows during mounting
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Assign interference to the rotating ring: on a conventional shaft-mounted 190 mm position the inner ring rotates, so use a k5/m6 shaft seat with an H7 housing — reverse the logic if the outer ring rotates.
- At 190 mm bore, C3 clearance is the safe choice when interference fits plus temperature rise consume the CN clearance; a hot tight bearing with no residual clearance fails fast.
- The M suffix on 6038-M denotes a machined brass cage: it is the choice for high speeds, marginal lubrication and shock/vibration duty, and it is temperature-tolerant where polymer cages are not — the 11000 g quoted mass includes the heavier cage.
- Open 6038-M needs external sealing at the arrangement level; in dusty housings its life depends entirely on those external seals and the regreasing schedule.
- Plan a relubrication interval for 6038-M; run-to-failure on open deep-groove bearings is the dominant early-failure cause.
- Fillet radii must clear the 6038-M chamfer so the 46 mm-wide ring seats square; an oversized shaft radius creates point contact on the ring face.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of 6038-M?
The SKF 6038 M measures 190 mm bore × 290 mm OD × 46 mm width (7.48 × 11.417 × 1.811 in), mass about 11000 g. It is open, with no shields or seals.
How does the bore code in 6038 work?
The final two digits of 6038 are bore code 38, multiplied by 5 to give 190 mm.
What is the difference between 6038-M and a same-bore 62-series bearing?
Section height differs: 6038-M has a 50 mm radial section and C 195 kN; always match d, D and B — same bore alone never makes two bearings interchangeable.
Which fits should I use for 6038-M?
With a rotating inner ring use roughly m6 on the shaft and H7 in the 290 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.