61903-ZZ bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 61903-ZZ is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 17 x 30 x 7 mm (bore x OD x width) with ZZ sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore diameter d | 17 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 30 mm |
| Width B | 7 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | ZZ |
| Internal clearance | CN / C3 available |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 4.62 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 2.55 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 0.108 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 50000 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 26000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -30 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 17 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF 61903-2Z |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) |
| Last verified | 2026-09-24 |
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.
Dimensions in inches & 61900-series range
| Bore d | 0.669 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 1.181 in |
| Width B | 0.276 in |
| ISO bore code | 03 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 6.5 mm |
| Smallest bore in 61900-series | 10 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 61900-series | 420 mm |
| Width range across 61900-series | 6–56 mm |
| Bore position in 61900-series (smallest first) | 4 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest 61900-series size | 7 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61903 | ISO 15 | verify Commonly quoted cross reference; confirm against the target catalog before ordering. | ISO 15 boundary-dimension envelope; seal suffix convention varies by brand (2RS / DDU / LLU / 2RSR) — verify seal design and temperature range. Brand-specific OEM equivalents pending multi-source data. |
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 61903-ZZ model number is decoded
In the 61900-series (ISO 15 diameter series 9) the last two digits encode the bore: 61903 carries bore code 03 = 17 mm. Codes 00–03 follow the 10/12/15/17 mm exception table rather than code × 5. Outside diameter 30 mm and width 7 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 17 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a j5 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- clutch and transmission assemblies
- robotics and automation joints
- lay shafts and idler shafts
- textile machinery
Known failure patterns
- fine-particle abrasion when non-contact shields let dust past in dirty duty
- grease aging in the shield-for-life cavity with no relubrication path
- fretting corrosion on a loose shaft seat
- cage damage from operation beyond the limiting speed
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Bore codes 00–03 use the exception table: 61903 fits a 17 mm shaft — the code × 5 mnemonic does not apply below code 04 (it would imply 0 mm for code 00).
- The 619xx thin section (6.5 mm section height at 17 mm bore) trades load capacity for compactness; stiff, accurately aligned seats are essential or edge loading will spall the raceway early.
- ZZ shields are non-contact: 61903-ZZ blocks chips and coarse dust but is not waterproof — do not install it expecting a pressure-wash seal, step up to 61903-2RS for that.
- Shielded 61903-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.
- Suffixes stack in a defined order — clearance follows the seal code, e.g. 61903-C3. No clearance suffix means normal CN clearance.
- SKF spells the shielded version 61903-2Z (one shield: 61903-Z), not "-ZZ": the suffix language differs by brand even though the ISO envelope is identical, so quote the brand designation when ordering.
- The 4.62/2.55 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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 61903-ZZ bearing?
A 61903-ZZ deep-groove ball bearing has a 17 mm bore, 30 mm outer diameter and 7 mm width (0.669 × 1.181 × 0.276 in), per ISO 15 boundary dimensions. It is fitted with two non-contact metallic shields.
Why does 61903 not follow the bore-code × 5 rule?
Codes 00–03 use the exception table (10, 12, 15 and 17 mm): 61903 with code 03 has a 17 mm bore. The code × 5 convention starts at code 04 (20 mm).
What does the ZZ suffix on 61903-ZZ mean?
ZZ means two non-contact sheet-metal shields, one each side. They retain factory grease and block coarse particles with little friction, but do not seal against liquids, fine dust or pressure washing.
How does the 61900 compare with other series at the same 17 mm bore?
619 is a thin section one step above 618: 30×7 mm with a 6.5 mm radial section at 17 mm bore; a 6203 on the same bore is substantially larger and more heavily rated.
What is the SKF designation and catalogue data for 61903-ZZ?
In the SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue this size is listed as 61903-2Z — two non-contact sheet-metal shields, 17×30×7 mm per ISO 15. Quoted values: C 4.62 kN, C0 2.55 kN, Pu 0.108 kN, limiting speed 26000 r/min, mass 17 g. Brand suffixes (2Z, 2RSH, 2RSL) differ from the industry-neutral spelling 61903-ZZ.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) on 2026-09-24. Read our editorial & correction policy.