6234-M bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 6234-M is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 170 x 310 x 52 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 170 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 310 mm |
| Width B | 52 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 212 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 224 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 6.1 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 4300 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 3800 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 17500 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 6234 M |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) |
| Last verified | 2026-09-27 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018)) · extracted 2026-09-27
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 | 6.693 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 12.205 in |
| Width B | 2.047 in |
| ISO bore code | 34 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 70 mm |
| Smallest bore in 6200-series | 3 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 6200-series | 540 mm |
| Width range across 6200-series | 2.5–85 mm |
| Bore position in 6200-series (smallest first) | 37 of 45 |
| Bore above smallest 6200-series size | 167 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6234-ZZ | NSK | partial Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ. | NSK bearing NSK 6234ZZ on the same 170×310×52 mm envelope, but catalogue C/C0 differ (212/224 kN vs 234/224 kN) — envelope interchange only after a load check. |
| 6234 | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | SKF SKF 6234 (open arrangement) shares the 170×310×52 mm envelope with ratings within 10 % — execution variant of the same size; boundary dimensions interchangeable. |
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 6234-M model number is decoded
In the 6200-series, the last two digits encode the bore: 6234 carries code 34 = 170 mm (code × 5). The envelope is 170×310×52 mm (6.693×12.205×2.047 in) with a 70.0 mm radial section height, C 212 kN, C0 224 kN and Pu 6.1 kN. The open 6234 M carries no shields or seals and relies on application lubrication and external sealing. The M suffix identifies the machined brass cage execution, a separate order number from the pressed-steel version. Limiting speed 3800 r/min, catalogue mass 17500 g.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- industrial fans and blowers
- mill and kiln auxiliaries
- pulp and paper machinery
- marine deck machinery
Known failure patterns
- contamination wear when the open arrangement is used without external seals
- lubricant starvation where no regreasing interval is maintained
- false brinelling from vibration while the shaft stands idle
- fretting corrosion on a creeping shaft or housing seat
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Deep-groove geometry tolerates only minutes of misalignment; if the 310 mm housing bore cannot be aligned, move to a self-aligning bearing rather than shimming 6234-M.
- Deep-groove geometry tolerates only minutes of misalignment; if the 310 mm housing bore cannot be aligned, move to a self-aligning bearing rather than shimming 6234-M.
- The M suffix on 6234-M denotes a machined brass cage: it is the choice for high speeds, marginal lubrication and shock/vibration duty, and it is temperature-tolerant where polymer cages are not — the 17500 g quoted mass includes the heavier cage.
- Open 6234-M needs external sealing at the arrangement level; in dusty housings its life depends entirely on those external seals and the regreasing schedule.
- Plan a relubrication interval for 6234-M; run-to-failure on open deep-groove bearings is the dominant early-failure cause.
- Catalogue ratings for 6234-M (C 212 kN, C0 224 kN) are SKF figures from PUB BU/P1 17000; geometry revisions can change ratings without changing the designation, so keep the catalogue edition with the specification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of 6234-M?
The SKF 6234 M measures 170 mm bore × 310 mm OD × 52 mm width (6.693 × 12.205 × 2.047 in), mass about 17500 g. It is open, with no shields or seals.
How does the bore code in 6234 work?
The final two digits of 6234 are bore code 34, multiplied by 5 to give 170 mm.
What is the difference between 6234-M and a same-bore 62-series bearing?
Section height differs: 6234-M has a 70 mm radial section and C 212 kN; always match d, D and B — same bore alone never makes two bearings interchangeable.
Which fits should I use for 6234-M?
With a rotating inner ring use roughly m6 on the shaft and H7 in the 310 mm housing; reverse the interference if the outer ring rotates.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018) on 2026-09-27. Read our editorial & correction policy.