6218-2RS 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 6218-2RS model number is decoded

In the 6200-series (diameter series 2 of ISO 15) the last two digits encode the bore: 6218 carries bore code 18 = 90 mm. Outside diameter 160 mm and width 30 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 90 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 6218-2RS1 (older text: -2RS1), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• At 90 mm bore the ring mass is significant: heat 6218 on an induction heater (max 120 °C), never over an open flame, and plan puller access or a withdrawal sleeve now for the day it has to come off again.
• At 90 mm bore the 62xx light series is the workhorse section; its 160×30 mm envelope is what most motor and gearbox seats are machined for, so any alternative section must be checked against both this OD and this width, not the bore alone.
• Heat is the enemy of the sealed 6218-2RS: 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 wash a sealed 6218-2RS in solvent or press it home via the outer ring; solvent destroys the grease thickener and mounting force through the seal deforms the lip.
• The housing bore for the 160 mm OD should be round within IT7; an oval bore pinches the outer ring of 6218-2RS and shows up later as two-point loaded raceway wear.
• Vibration during standstill brinells the raceways of a 90 mm bearing at ball spacing; if the machine sits idle next to running equipment, turn the shaft over periodically or isolate the arrangement.
• SKF catalogues the contact-sealed version as 6218-2RS1 (older printings may read -2RS1); it is shipped pre-greased and its 2600 r/min limiting speed is set by seal-lip drag and grease life versus the open bearing's 8500 r/min thermal reference speed. The single-seal catalogue number is 6218-RS1, used where one shaft side needs external relubrication.
• A one-seal execution 6218-RS1 exists for arrangements that lubricate through the open side; fitting 6218-2RS1 instead means lifetime grease and no external oil supply — mixing the two in the same shaft can starve the sealed position.
• The 101/73.5 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.