6038-ZZ 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-ZZ model number is decoded

In the 6000-series (diameter series 0 of ISO 15) the last two digits encode the bore: 6038 carries bore code 38 = 190 mm. Outside diameter 290 mm and width 46 mm come from the ISO 15 boundary-dimensions general plan. Suffix -ZZ denotes two non-contact metallic shields; they retain grease and block coarse debris but are not liquid-tight. For normal-load mounting with a rotating inner ring on a 190 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a m6 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude. NSK catalogue order number: 6038ZZ (suffix ZZ), two non-contact steel shields, mapped here from the industry-neutral -ZZ spelling.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Large bores like the 190 mm of 6038-ZZ 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.
• Choosing the 60xx extra-light section saves radial space at 190 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 6238 before committing to the smaller envelope.
• Do not wash 6038-ZZ in solvent before mounting: the grease inside the shielded cavity is the service fill, and solvent creeping past the shield gap strips it out.
• Shielded 6038-ZZ units are typically greased for life; prying the shields out for regreasing usually bends them and leaves a gap that throws grease in service.
• 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-ZZ.
• The housing bore for the 290 mm OD should be round within IT7; an oval bore pinches the outer ring of 6038-ZZ and shows up later as two-point loaded raceway wear.
• NSK catalogues the shielded version as 6038ZZ — suffix ZZ, two non-contact steel shields. The industry-neutral page spelling is -ZZ; quote the NSK order number when buying through an NSK channel.
• 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 6038ZZ 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.
• NSK's VV non-contact seal keeps frictional torque close to the open 6038; in motor duty where heat build-up matters, VV is the usual compromise between debris protection and speed capability.
• 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.