6401-ZZ bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 6401-ZZ is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 12 x 48 x 14 mm (bore x OD x width) with ZZ sealing. Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore diameter d | 12 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 48 mm |
| Width B | 14 mm |
| Seal / shield | ZZ |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | steel |
| Mass (geometry estimate) | 121 g |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | iso15-ed4-geometry |
| Last verified | 2026-09-24 |
Source: ISO 15 boundary-dimensions standard · extracted 2026-09-24
Standard-interchange bearing: dimensions per ISO 15; CN clearance, P0 tolerance and a stamped-steel cage are catalogue defaults unless the supplier states otherwise, and mass is a geometry-derived estimate. Brand catalogue load ratings and limiting speeds for 6401 are being backfilled — use the inquiry form for certified values.
Dimensions in inches & 6400-series range
| Bore d | 0.472 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 1.89 in |
| Width B | 0.551 in |
| ISO bore code | 01 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 18 mm |
| Smallest bore in 6400-series | 10 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 6400-series | 250 mm |
| Width range across 6400-series | 12–58 mm |
| Bore position in 6400-series (smallest first) | 2 of 21 |
| Bore above smallest 6400-series size | 2 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6401 | 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 6401-ZZ model number is decoded
In the 6400-series (ISO 15 diameter series 4) the last two digits encode the bore: 6401 carries bore code 01 = 12 mm. Codes 00–03 follow the 10/12/15/17 mm exception table rather than code × 5. Outside diameter 48 mm and width 14 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 12 mm shaft, typical catalogue practice is a j5 shaft seat with an H7 housing bore — verify against the actual load direction and magnitude.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- domestic appliances
- power tools
- small fans and blowers
- garden equipment
Known failure patterns
- fine-particle abrasion when non-contact shields let dust past in dirty duty
- grease aging in the shield-for-life cavity with no relubrication path
- edge loading from shaft deflection or housing misalignment
- rolling-contact fatigue spalling after the rated L10 life is exceeded
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Bore codes 00–03 use the exception table: 6401 fits a 12 mm shaft — the code × 5 mnemonic does not apply below code 04 (it would imply 0 mm for code 00).
- The 64xx heavy section at 12 mm bore (48 mm OD) is built for high-load, lower-speed duty; specifying it in a high-rpm motor gives excess heat and short grease life — use 62/63 there.
- ZZ shields are non-contact: 6401-ZZ blocks chips and coarse dust but is not waterproof — do not install it expecting a pressure-wash seal, step up to 6401-2RS for that.
- Shielded 6401-ZZ units are typically greased for life; prying the shields out for regreasing usually bends them and leaves a gap that throws grease in service.
- Shaft and housing fillets must clear the bearing chamfer so the 14 mm-wide ring seats square; provide an undercut or withdrawal groove instead of relying on an oversized radius.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 6401-ZZ bearing?
A 6401-ZZ deep-groove ball bearing has a 12 mm bore, 48 mm outer diameter and 14 mm width (0.472 × 1.89 × 0.551 in), per ISO 15 boundary dimensions. It is fitted with two non-contact metallic shields. Geometry-based estimated mass is about 121 g for a steel-cage unit; catalogue masses vary slightly with seal and cage design.
Why does 6401 not follow the bore-code × 5 rule?
Codes 00–03 use the exception table (10, 12, 15 and 17 mm): 6401 with code 01 has a 12 mm bore. The code × 5 convention starts at code 04 (20 mm).
What does the ZZ suffix on 6401-ZZ mean?
ZZ means two non-contact sheet-metal shields, one each side. They retain factory grease and block coarse particles with little friction, but do not seal against liquids, fine dust or pressure washing.
How does the 6400 compare with other series at the same 12 mm bore?
The '4' is the heavy diameter series: 48×14 mm, 18.0 mm radial section at 12 mm bore — the highest-capacity single-row 6xx option here, aimed at lower-speed, high-load shafts.
Are 6401 bearings from different brands interchangeable?
For boundary dimensions, yes: every brand's 6401 uses the same ISO 15 envelope (12×48×14 mm). Load ratings, limiting speeds, clearance, precision class and sealing design can differ, so verify those in the supplier catalogue when substituting. Seal suffixes also differ by brand (2RS, DDU, LLU and similar).
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog iso15-ed4-geometry on 2026-09-24. Read our editorial & correction policy.