6208-2RS bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 6208-2RS is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 40 x 80 x 18 mm (bore x OD x width) with 2RS sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore diameter d | 40 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 80 mm |
| Width B | 18 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | 2RS |
| Internal clearance | CN / C3 available |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 32.5 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 19 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 0.8 kN |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 5600 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -30 to +110 °C |
| Mass | 370 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF 6208-2RSH |
| 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 & 6200-series range
| Bore d | 1.575 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 3.15 in |
| Width B | 0.709 in |
| ISO bore code | 08 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 20 mm |
| Smallest bore in 6200-series | 10 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 6200-series | 400 mm |
| Width range across 6200-series | 9–65 mm |
| Bore position in 6200-series (smallest first) | 9 of 33 |
| Bore above smallest 6200-series size | 30 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6208 | 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 6208-2RS model number is decoded
In the 6200-series (ISO 15 diameter series 2) the last two digits encode the bore: 6208 carries bore code 08 = 40 mm. Outside diameter 80 mm and width 18 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 40 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a k5 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude. SKF's contact-seal catalogue number is 6208-2RSH (older text: -2RS1), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- agricultural equipment
- fans and blowers
- electric motors
- centrifugal pumps
Known failure patterns
- seal-lip hardening and loss of pre-grease in sustained high-temperature service
- grease-life expiry in the sealed-for-life cavity (no relubrication path)
- edge loading from shaft deflection or housing misalignment
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling after the rated L10 life is exceeded
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- At a 40 mm bore, a shaft-seat burr or an overtight setscrew can score the thin inner ring of 6208-2RS; check shaft finish and runout (target Ra ≤ 1.6 µm) before pressing it home.
- The 62xx light series is the default general-purpose section at 40 mm bore; before upgrading to a 6308 for extra capacity, confirm the housing accepts a 80 mm OD and 18 mm width — it is not a drop-in swap.
- Contact seals add drag and heat: 6208-2RS runs slower and cooler-limited than the open 6208; rubber lips are generally limited to roughly 80–110 °C continuous depending on grease, and C3 clearance is the common hot-duty choice.
- Never wash a sealed 6208-2RS in solvent or press it home via the outer ring; solvent destroys the grease thickener and mounting force through the seal deforms the lip.
- Assign fits by which ring rotates: an interference shaft fit for a rotating inner ring; if the outer ring rotates instead, reverse the logic — a loose rotating ring creeps and frets its seat.
- SKF catalogues the contact-sealed version as 6208-2RSH (older printings may read -2RS1); it is shipped pre-greased and its 5600 r/min limiting speed is set by seal-lip drag and grease life versus the open bearing's 18000 r/min thermal reference speed. The single-seal catalogue number is 6208-RSH, used where one shaft side needs external relubrication.
- A one-seal execution 6208-RSH exists for arrangements that lubricate through the open side; fitting 6208-2RSH instead means lifetime grease and no external oil supply — mixing the two in the same shaft can starve the sealed position.
- The 32.5/19 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 6208-2RS bearing?
A 6208-2RS deep-groove ball bearing has a 40 mm bore, 80 mm outer diameter and 18 mm width (1.575 × 3.15 × 0.709 in), per ISO 15 boundary dimensions. It is fitted with two contact rubber seals and is normally pre-greased. Geometry-based estimated mass is about 346 g for a steel-cage unit; catalogue masses vary slightly with seal and cage design.
How does the 6208 bore code work?
The last two digits of 6208 are bore code 08, giving 08 × 5 = 40 mm bore. The 80 mm outside diameter and 18 mm width follow the ISO 15 diameter series, not the bore code alone.
What does the 2RS suffix on 6208-2RS mean?
2RS means two contact elastomer seals, one each side, usually over a lifetime grease fill. Sealing against dust and moisture is better than ZZ shields, but the lip drag lowers the speed and temperature ceiling.
How does the 6200 compare with other series at the same 40 mm bore?
The '2' is the light diameter series: 80×18 mm with a 20.0 mm radial section at 40 mm bore. A 6308 on the same bore is larger and higher-rated; a 6008 is smaller and lower-rated.
What is the SKF designation and catalogue data for 6208-2RS?
In the SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue this size is listed as 6208-2RSH — two contact elastomer seals over a lifetime grease fill, 40×80×18 mm per ISO 15. Quoted values: C 32.5 kN, C0 19 kN, Pu 0.8 kN, limiting speed 5600 r/min, mass 370 g. Brand suffixes (2Z, 2RSH) differ from the industry-neutral spelling 6208-2RS.
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.