51204 bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The 51204 is a ISO 104 radial bearing sized 20 x 40 x 14 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | NTN |
| Bore diameter d | 20 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 40 mm |
| Width B | 14 mm |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 22.3 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 37.5 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 1.52 kN |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 4300 rpm |
| Mass | 75 g |
| Manufacturer designation | 51204 |
| Standard | ISO 104 |
| Catalog version | CAT. No. 2203-3/E 2024 |
| Last verified | 2026-09-25 |
Source: catalog reference (CAT. No. 2203-3/E 2024) · extracted 2026-09-25
Parameters extracted from the official NTN Ball and Roller Bearings catalogue (CAT. No. 2203-3/E 2024); NTN® is a trademark of NTN Corporation, used here for identification only — mpnbase is not an authorized NTN distributor. Boundary dimensions are ISO 15 interchangeable; current production values may differ, verify at ntnglobal.com.
Dimensions in inches & 51200-series range
| Bore d | 0.787 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 1.575 in |
| Width B | 0.551 in |
| ISO bore code | 04 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 10 mm |
| Smallest bore in 51200-series | 10 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in 51200-series | 150 mm |
| Width range across 51200-series | 11–38 mm |
| Bore position in 51200-series (smallest first) | 5 of 20 |
| Bore above smallest 51200-series size | 10 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
No verified interchange data yet. Send an inquiry and our team will confirm equivalents manually.
How the 51204 model number is decoded
In the 51200-series (ISO 104 dimension series) the leading digits 512 mark a single-direction thrust ball bearing and the last two digits encode the bore: 51204 carries bore code 04 = 20 mm. The ISO 104 boundary dimensions are 20 mm bore, 40 mm outside diameter and 14 mm height. Two flat washers (shaft and housing) and a ball cage assembly allow the bearing to carry pure axial load in one direction while accommodating minor misalignment.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- light-duty fan axial restraint
- power tool thrust collars
- small electric motor axial positioning
- appliance gearbox thrust washers
Known failure patterns
- smearing or scoring from marginal lubrication at start-up
- raceway indentation from static overload or improper mounting force
- washer seat fretting from a loose housing or shaft fit
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- At a 20 mm bore, thrust ball washers are thin and easily distorted; press the shaft washer on with a proper sleeve — never hammer it or the raceway will brinell.
- The 512xx medium-light section at 20 mm bore is the default general-purpose thrust bearing; before upgrading to a 513xx for extra capacity, confirm the housing accepts a 40 mm OD and 14 mm height.
- The 14 mm height includes both washers and the cage; verify the axial space in the housing before specifying 51204.
- Thrust ball bearings carry axial load only — never apply radial load to 51204; the flat washers will skid and score.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a 51204 thrust ball bearing?
A 51204 thrust ball bearing has a 20 mm bore, 40 mm outside diameter and 14 mm height, per ISO 104 boundary dimensions. It consists of a shaft washer, housing washer and ball cage assembly.
How does the 51204 bore code work?
The last two digits of 51204 are bore code 04, giving 04 × 5 = 20 mm bore. The 40 mm outside diameter and 14 mm height follow the ISO 104 dimension series, not the bore code alone.
Can a 51204 thrust ball bearing carry radial load?
No. Single-direction thrust ball bearings carry axial load only. Any radial component must be supported by a separate radial bearing (deep-groove, cylindrical roller or spherical roller).
How does the 51200 compare with other thrust series at the same 20 mm bore?
The 512xx is the medium-light section: 40×14 mm, 10.0 mm radial section at 20 mm bore. A 513xx on the same bore is larger and higher-rated; a 511xx is smaller and lower-rated.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog CAT. No. 2203-3/E 2024 on 2026-09-25. Read our editorial & correction policy.