2303-M bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

The 2303-M is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 17 x 47 x 19 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.

Bearing dimension schematic Front view shows outer diameter D and bore d; side section shows width B. D = 47 mm d = 17 B = 19 mm side section front view
Principal dimensions: bore d 17 mm, outer diameter D 47 mm, width B 19 mm. Schematic, not to scale.

Specification table

ParameterValue
Brand SKF
Bore diameter d 17 mm
Outer diameter D 47 mm
Width B 19 mm
Material GCr15
Seal / shield open
Internal clearance CN
Tolerance class P0
Cage brass
Basic dynamic load rating C 14.3 kN
Basic static load rating C0 3.55 kN
Fatigue load limit Pu 0.19 kN
Reference speed (thermal) 30000 rpm
Limiting speed (mechanical) 22000 rpm
Operating temperature -40 to +120 °C
Mass 180 g
Manufacturer designation 2303 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 & 2300-series range

Bore d 0.669 in
Outer diameter D 1.85 in
Width B 0.748 in
ISO bore code 03
Radial section height (D−d)/2 15 mm
Smallest bore in 2300-series 10 mm
Largest outer diameter in 2300-series 215 mm
Width range across 2300-series 17–73 mm
Bore position in 2300-series (smallest first) 4 of 21
Bore above smallest 2300-series size 7 mm

Cross references & equivalents

Equivalent modelBrandMatch levelNote
2303 NTN full
Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange.
NTN counterpart 2303S on the same 17×47×19 mm envelope with ratings within 10 % — interchange after checking seal, cage and bore details on both pages.
2303-E-2RS1TN9 SKF partial
Main dimensions match; tolerances, seals or internal clearance differ.
Same 17×47×19 mm envelope, but catalogue C/C0 differ between executions (14.3/3.55 kN vs 12.7/3.4 kN) — boundary dimensions match, not a load-rating equivalent.

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 2303-M model number is decoded

The 23xx series is the wide medium-section self-aligning ball bearing (ISO dimension series 23). bore code 03 follows the 10/12/15/17 mm exception table, so 2303 fits a 17 mm shaft. Envelope 17×47×19 mm (0.669×1.85×0.748 in) with a 15.0 mm radial section height, C 14.3 kN, C0 3.55 kN and Pu 0.19 kN. The open 2303 M carries no shields or seals and relies on application lubrication and external sealing. The M suffix identifies the machined brass cage execution. The bore is cylindrical (straight), for a press-fit on a 17 mm shaft. Reference (thermal) speed 30000 r/min, limiting speed 22000 r/min, catalogue mass 180 g.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Common applications

  • agricultural machinery shafts
  • textile spindles and looms
  • fan and blower shafts
  • woodworking machine spindles

Known failure patterns

  • lubricant starvation where no regreasing interval is maintained
  • contamination wear when the open arrangement is used without adequate external sealing
  • false brinelling from vibration while the shaft stands idle
  • fretting corrosion on a creeping shaft or housing seat

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

  • Fillet radii must clear the 2303-M chamfer so the 19 mm-wide ring seats square; an oversized shaft radius creates point contact on the ring face.
  • At 17 mm bore, C3 clearance is the safe choice when interference fits plus temperature rise consume the CN clearance; a hot tight bearing with no residual clearance fails fast.
  • The M suffix on 2303-M denotes a machined brass cage: the choice for high speeds, marginal lubrication and shock/vibration duty, and temperature-tolerant where polymer cages are not.
  • Self-aligning ball bearings tolerate up to roughly 2–3° of static misalignment, but the sealed 2303-M (2RS1) allows less — the lip seal binds before the spherical raceway does.
  • Assign interference to the rotating ring: on a 17 mm rotating shaft use a j5/k5 seat with an H7 housing; reverse the logic if the outer ring rotates.
  • Catalogue ratings for 2303-M (C 14.3 kN, C0 3.55 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 2303-M?

SKF 2303 M measures 17 mm bore × 47 mm OD × 19 mm width (0.669 × 1.85 × 0.748 in), mass about 180 g. It is open, with no shields or seals.

How does the bore code in 2303 work?

Codes 00–03 follow the exception table (10, 12, 15, 17 mm): 2303 fits a 17 mm shaft. Code × 5 starts at code 04.

What load can 2303-M take?

Catalogue values for 2303 M: dynamic C 14.3 kN, static C0 3.55 kN, fatigue limit Pu 0.19 kN. Use C in life calculation and C0 for static checks at 17 mm bore.

What is the speed rating of 2303-M?

SKF lists a 30000 r/min thermal reference speed and a 22000 r/min mechanical limiting speed for 2303 M; real limits also depend on lubrication and fits.

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.