6218-2RS bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 6218-2RS is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 90 x 160 x 30 mm (bore x OD x width) with 2RS sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore diameter d | 90 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 160 mm |
| Width B | 30 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 | 101 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 73.5 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 2.8 kN |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2600 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -30 to +110 °C |
| Mass | 2300 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF 6218-2RS1 |
| 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 | 3.543 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 6.299 in |
| Width B | 1.181 in |
| ISO bore code | 18 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 35 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) | 19 of 33 |
| Bore above smallest 6200-series size | 80 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6218 | 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 6218-2RS model number is decoded
In the 6200-series (ISO 15 diameter series 2) 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
Common applications
- industrial fans and blowers
- hoists and winches
- heavy conveyors
- pulp and paper machinery
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)
- brinelling from static overload or hammering during mounting
- false brinelling from vibration while the shaft is stationary
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Mount this 90 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 90 mm bore; before upgrading to a 6318 for extra capacity, confirm the housing accepts a 160 mm OD and 30 mm width — it is not a drop-in swap.
- Contact seals add drag and heat: 6218-2RS runs slower and cooler-limited than the open 6218; 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 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.
- A 90 mm bore listing showing the right d/D/B but no standard or precision-class reference may be a loose-tolerance import; measure bore/OD spread before fitting it to a machined shaft.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 6218-2RS bearing?
A 6218-2RS deep-groove ball bearing has a 90 mm bore, 160 mm outer diameter and 30 mm width (3.543 × 6.299 × 1.181 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 2104 g for a steel-cage unit; catalogue masses vary slightly with seal and cage design.
How does the 6218 bore code work?
The last two digits of 6218 are bore code 18, giving 18 × 5 = 90 mm bore. The 160 mm outside diameter and 30 mm width follow the ISO 15 diameter series, not the bore code alone.
What does the 2RS suffix on 6218-2RS 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 90 mm bore?
The '2' is the light diameter series: 160×30 mm with a 35.0 mm radial section at 90 mm bore. A 6318 on the same bore is larger and higher-rated; a 6018 is smaller and lower-rated.
What is the SKF designation and catalogue data for 6218-2RS?
In the SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue this size is listed as 6218-2RS1 — two contact elastomer seals over a lifetime grease fill, 90×160×30 mm per ISO 15. Quoted values: C 101 kN, C0 73.5 kN, Pu 2.8 kN, limiting speed 2600 r/min, mass 2300 g. Brand suffixes (2Z, 2RSH) differ from the industry-neutral spelling 6218-2RS.
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.