W638-5-ZZ bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The W638-5-ZZ is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 5 x 11 x 5 mm (bore x OD x width) with ZZ sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 5 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 11 mm |
| Width B | 5 mm |
| Material | SS440C |
| Seal / shield | ZZ |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel, stamped ribbon (J-type) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 0.403 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 0.143 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 0.006 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 120000 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 60000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 1.85 g |
| Manufacturer designation | W 638/5-2Z |
| 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 & 63800-series range
| Bore d | 0.197 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 0.433 in |
| Width B | 0.197 in |
| ISO bore code | — |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 3 mm |
| Smallest bore in 63800-series | 1.5 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 63800-series | 28 mm |
| Width range across 63800-series | 2–9 mm |
| Bore position in 63800-series (smallest first) | 6 of 8 |
| Bore above smallest 63800-series size | 3.5 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
No verified interchange data yet. Send an inquiry and our team will confirm equivalents manually.
How the W638-5-ZZ model number is decoded
The W prefix denotes SKF stainless steel deep-groove bearings (X108CrMo17 / AISI 440C class rings). In the 63800-series, the bore is written directly after the slash as 5 mm (bores below 10 mm use the slash spelling). Envelope 5×11×5 mm (0.197×0.433×0.197 in), C 0.403 kN, C0 0.143 kN, Pu 0.006 kN; limiting speed 60000 r/min and mass 1.85 g. SKF spells the double shield W 638/5-2Z (suffix 2Z); the shields are non-contact, retain grease and block coarse debris but are not liquid-tight. Stainless is chosen for corrosion and washdown duty, not for extra load — the same-envelope chrome-steel bearing rates higher.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- small pumps handling corrosive media
- bicycle and outdoor equipment
- appliances exposed to moisture
- food and beverage conveyors
Known failure patterns
- surface staining and pitting when even the stainless steel is left unlubricated in salty or acidic duty
- seal and grease failure before the rings corrode in sustained washdown service
- fine-particle abrasion when non-contact shields let dust through in a dirty environment
- grease aging inside the shielded cavity with no relubrication path
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- W-prefix stainless rings (X108CrMo17 / AISI 440C class) resist moisture and weak chemicals but will still rust in chloride-rich or salt-spray duty without protection — W638-5-ZZ is not marine-grade stainless.
- The stainless steel is martensitic and MAGNETIC; do not reject W638-5-ZZ over magnetism — only austenitic grades are non-magnetic, and those are too soft for bearing raceways.
- Stainless bearings carry lower load ratings than chrome steel of the same envelope: W638-5-ZZ is quoted at C 0.403 kN versus the 5 mm-wide 52100 version — do not swap on dimensions alone.
- Food, pharmaceutical and washdown positions need food-grade grease (e.g. NSF H1 registered) inside W638-5-ZZ; standard fill is industrial grease unless specified otherwise.
- Catalogue ratings for W638-5-ZZ (C 0.403 kN, C0 0.143 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.
- Mount by heating the inner ring (max 120 °C) — driving W638-5-ZZ home through the outer ring or balls brinells the raceways.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of the stainless W638-5-ZZ?
SKF W 638/5-2Z measures 5×11×5 mm (0.197×0.433×0.197 in), about 1.85 g, C 0.403 kN.
What does the W in W 638/5-2Z mean?
W is the SKF prefix for stainless steel deep-groove bearings (rings in X108CrMo17 / AISI 440C class); the rest of the designation follows the normal series and bore rules.
Where is W638-5-ZZ typically used?
Food and packaging machines, pharmaceutical equipment, washdown conveyors, chemical and marine-atmosphere drives and appliances exposed to moisture.
What grease is supplied in W638-5-ZZ?
Sealed units are pre-greased for life; for food or pharmaceutical duty order (or re-grease before service) with an NSF H1 registered food-grade grease.
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.