6232-ZZ bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

Specification table

Source: catalog reference (NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C) · extracted 2026-09-24

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 6232-ZZ model number is decoded

In the 6200-series (diameter series 2 of ISO 15) the last two digits encode the bore: 6232 carries bore code 32 = 160 mm. Outside diameter 290 mm and width 48 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 160 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a m6 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude. NSK catalogue order number: 6232ZZ (suffix ZZ), two non-contact steel shields, mapped here from the industry-neutral -ZZ spelling.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• At 160 mm bore the ring mass is significant: heat 6232 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 160 mm bore the 62xx light series is the workhorse section; its 290×48 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.
• ZZ shields are non-contact: 6232-ZZ blocks chips and coarse dust but is not waterproof — do not install it expecting a pressure-wash seal, step up to 6232-2RS for that.
• Do not wash 6232-ZZ in solvent before mounting: the grease inside the shielded cavity is the service fill, and solvent creeping past the shield gap strips it out.
• 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.
• 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.
• NSK catalogues the shielded version as 6232ZZ — suffix ZZ, two non-contact steel shields. The industry-neutral page spelling is -ZZ; quote the NSK order number when buying through an NSK channel.
• The 160 mm bore places 6232 at the lower end of NSK's large-size range; at these diameters the pressed-steel cage is speed-limited and NSK commonly supplies a machined brass cage (suffix M) as an option. Verify cage material and relubrication interval with the NSK distributor, and do not extrapolate small-bore speed ratings to this size.
• NSK rates 6232 at 204 kN dynamic (C) and 186 kN static (C0); this heavy-load rating is at the upper end of the E1103 Part C single-row deep-groove extract — NSK supplies a machined brass cage (suffix M) and expects an application review, because catalogue L10 life alone does not capture shock and misalignment loads at this rating.
• At 12800 g (12.8 kg), 6232 is a heavy NSK bearing that requires a crane or hoist for handling; induction-heat the inner ring (max 120 °C) and use a mechanical puller for removal — never apply heat directly to the balls or cage.
• The 160×290×48 mm envelope of 6232 gives a D/d ratio of 1.81 and 65.0 mm radial section height — a standard NSK medium section that balances load capacity and speed; for this geometry the pressed-steel cage is adequate up to NSK's listed speed ratings, and C3 clearance is the common choice for hot shafts.
• The 204/186 kN load ratings, mass 12800 g here are NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C catalogue figures for 6232ZZ on the 160×290×48 mm ISO 15 envelope; internal geometry and ratings legitimately differ between brands, so re-verify before substituting another manufacturer's 6232 in a rated drive. NSK does not tabulate reference or limiting speeds in the E1103 Part C dimension tables used for this page — consult NSK's separate speed-rating tables before high-speed service.
• NSK supplies its sealed units pre-greased for general duty between roughly -10 and +110 °C; low-temperature, food-grade and high-temperature fills are special executions — ask at order time, because DDU/VV units are not designed to be opened and repacked.
• NSK's VV non-contact seal keeps frictional torque close to the open 6232; in motor duty where heat build-up matters, VV is the usual compromise between debris protection and speed capability.