6303-2RS 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 6303-2RS model number is decoded

6303-2RS is closed by two contacting elastomer lips over a lifetime grease fill; the lips add friction, so the speed ceiling sits below the open execution. Within the medium 63xx section (diameter series 3 of ISO 15), multiplying bore code 17 by five gives the 17 mm bore; the 47 mm outside diameter and 14 mm width follow the same boundary-dimension plan. For a rotating inner ring on a 17 mm shaft under normal load, catalogue practice seats it on a j5 shaft fit with an H7 housing bore — confirm against the actual load direction and magnitude before committing. NSK's contact-seal catalogue number is 6303DDU (suffix DDU), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling; it is greased for life and the contacting lip lowers the speed ceiling versus the open bearing.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

• At 17 mm bore the ring mass is significant: heat 6303 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.
• The 63xx medium series gains rating at 17 mm bore through a 47 mm OD and 14 mm width; the heavier rolling elements also trade away some speed versus a 6217.
• Contact seals add drag and heat: 6303-2RS runs slower and cooler-limited than the open 6303; 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 6303-2RS in solvent or press it home via the outer ring; solvent destroys the grease thickener and mounting force through the seal deforms the lip.
• Vibration during standstill brinells the raceways of a 17 mm bearing at ball spacing; if the machine sits idle next to running equipment, turn the shaft over periodically or isolate the arrangement.
• A 17 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.
• NSK catalogues the contact-sealed version as 6303DDU (suffix DDU), mapped here from the industry-neutral -2RS spelling; it is greased for life and the contacting lip lowers the speed ceiling versus the open bearing. NSK's DDU lip design is single-lip contact, so grease life is longer than VV but drag torque is higher.
• At 17 mm bore the 6303 sits in NSK's small-bore range; NSK ships these sizes with a pressed-steel cage and P0 tolerance as standard, and NSK's EA (extra-precision) or P5 class is a special-order upgrade for spindle duty — do not assume catalogue P0 figures hold for instrument use without an NSK engineering check.
• At 15 kN dynamic load rating (C) and 6.65 kN static (C0), 6303 is a medium-load NSK bearing suitable for most electric-motor and pump duty; the C0/C0r ratio matters for preloaded or thrust-loaded arrangements, so confirm the static safety factor with the NSK catalogue.
• At 113 g, 6303 is light enough for hand assembly but should be pressed on with a fitting sleeve against the inner ring; do not strike the outer ring or cage with a hammer.
• The 17×47×14 mm envelope of 6303 gives a D/d ratio of 2.76 and 15.0 mm radial section height — a heavy NSK section built for high-load, lower-speed duty; specifying it in a high-rpm motor generates excess heat and shortens grease life, so prefer a 62/63-series there.
• The 15/6.65 kN load ratings, mass 113 g here are NSK Rolling Bearings E1103 Part C catalogue figures for 6303DDU on the 17×47×14 mm ISO 15 envelope; internal geometry and ratings legitimately differ between brands, so re-verify before substituting another manufacturer's 6303 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.
• Keep NSK bearings in the original packaging until fitting: the wrapper carries the production lot, and the unopened shelf life of greased sealed units is typically quoted at three to five years in dry, vibration-free storage.
• NSK's VV non-contact seal keeps frictional torque close to the open 6303; in motor duty where heat build-up matters, VV is the usual compromise between debris protection and speed capability.