6038-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 6038-NSK model number is decoded

6038 is supplied open, without shields or seals, so the arrangement around it must supply and retain the lubricant. Within the extra-light 60xx section (diameter series 0 of ISO 15), multiplying bore code 38 by five gives the 190 mm bore; the 290 mm outside diameter and 46 mm width follow the same boundary-dimension plan. For a rotating inner ring on a 190 mm shaft under normal load, catalogue practice seats it on a m6 shaft fit with an H7 housing bore — confirm against the actual load direction and magnitude before committing. In the NSK catalogue this open execution carries the bare designation; protected variants are ordered separately with suffixes ZZ (steel shields), VV (non-contact rubber seals) and DDU (contact rubber seals).

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Large bores like the 190 mm of 6038-NSK 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 190 mm bore uses a smaller 290 mm OD than a 6238; load ratings are lower, so do not replace a failed 62-series bearing with a 60-series without re-rating the load.
• The open 6038-NSK has no lubricant retention: grease escapes and contaminants migrate straight into the 190×290×46 mm raceway, so specify a sealed arrangement for dusty or washdown duty.
• Open bearings tolerate the highest speeds in the 6000-series but need a defined regreasing interval; run-to-failure lubrication is the dominant cause of early failure in open 6038 units.
• Vibration during standstill brinells the raceways of a 190 mm bearing at ball spacing; if the machine sits idle next to running equipment, turn the shaft over periodically or isolate the arrangement.
• Deep-groove ball bearings tolerate only minutes of misalignment; if the 290 mm housing cannot be aligned, switch to a self-aligning type rather than shimming 6038-NSK.
• The open 6038 has no integral sealing; in the NSK E1103 catalogue the protected variants carry suffixes ZZ (non-contact steel shields), VV (non-contact rubber seals) and DDU (contact rubber seals). NSK does not offer a low-torque contact seal equivalent to NTN's LLH in this catalogue — for high-speed sealed duty specify the VV non-contact seal and an external housing labyrinth.
• The 190 mm bore places 6038 in NSK's large-size range; at these diameters the pressed-steel cage is speed-limited and NSK commonly supplies a machined brass cage (suffix M) as an option. Verify cage material and relubrication interval with the NSK distributor, and do not extrapolate small-bore speed ratings to this size.
• NSK rates 6038 at 207 kN dynamic (C) and 201 kN static (C0); this heavy-load rating is at the upper end of the E1103 Part C single-row deep-groove extract — NSK supplies a machined brass cage (suffix M) and expects an application review, because catalogue L10 life alone does not capture shock and misalignment loads at this rating.
• At 9390 g (9.4 kg), 6038 is a heavy NSK bearing that requires a crane or hoist for handling; induction-heat the inner ring (max 120 °C) and use a mechanical puller for removal — never apply heat directly to the balls or cage.
• The 190×290×46 mm envelope of 6038 gives a D/d ratio of 1.53 and 50.0 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 207/201 kN load ratings, mass 9390 g here are NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C catalogue figures for 6038 on the 190×290×46 mm ISO 15 envelope; internal geometry and ratings legitimately differ between brands, so re-verify before substituting another manufacturer's 6038 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.
• When replacing a failed unit, inspect the shaft and housing seats before fitting the new 6038 — a new bearing pressed onto a worn or oval seat reproduces the original failure mode in a fraction of its expected life.
• 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.