6217-2RS bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

Specification table

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.

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 6217-2RS model number is decoded

In the 6200-series (diameter series 2 of ISO 15) the last two digits encode the bore: 6217 carries bore code 17 = 85 mm. Outside diameter 150 mm and width 28 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 85 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 6217-2RS1 (older text: -2RS1), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• Mount this 85 mm bore bearing by heating the inner ring (induction heater, max 120 °C) — never drive it home through the outer ring or balls, that brinells the raceways.
• The 62xx light series is the default general-purpose section at 85 mm bore; before upgrading to a 6317 for extra capacity, confirm the housing accepts a 150 mm OD and 28 mm width — it is not a drop-in swap.
• Contact seals add drag and heat: 6217-2RS runs slower and cooler-limited than the open 6217; rubber lips are generally limited to roughly 80–110 °C continuous depending on grease, and C3 clearance is the common hot-duty choice.
• Heat is the enemy of the sealed 6217-2RS: sustained running near the lip temperature limit hardens the rubber, after which grease escapes and dirt tracks in — watch the housing temperature in hot drives.
• Never mix components between two 6217-2RS units: rings, cage and balls are factory-matched and are not field-interchangeable, even between identical designations.
• Grease compatibility is not guaranteed between fills: mixing lithium and polyurea thickeners in a 6200-series position can soften the mixture and leak — clean out the old fill before switching grease types.
• SKF catalogues the contact-sealed version as 6217-2RS1 (older printings may read -2RS1); it is shipped pre-greased and its 2800 r/min limiting speed is set by seal-lip drag and grease life versus the open bearing's 9000 r/min thermal reference speed. The single-seal catalogue number is 6217-RS1, used where one shaft side needs external relubrication.
• A one-seal execution 6217-RS1 exists for arrangements that lubricate through the open side; fitting 6217-2RS1 instead means lifetime grease and no external oil supply — mixing the two in the same shaft can starve the sealed position.
• The 87.1/64 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.