NU252-MA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU252-MA is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 260 x 480 x 80 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 260 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 480 mm |
| Width B | 80 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | brass |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 1170 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 1700 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 150 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 1400 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 2000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 68500 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 252 MA |
| Standard | ISO 15 |
| Catalog version | SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings |
| Last verified | 2026-09-26 |
Source: catalog reference (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings) · extracted 2026-09-26
Parameters extracted from the official SKF Rolling Bearings catalogue (SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings); 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 & NU200-series range
| Bore d | 10.236 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 18.898 in |
| Width B | 3.15 in |
| ISO bore code | 52 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 110 mm |
| Smallest bore in NU200-series | 15 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NU200-series | 580 mm |
| Width range across NU200-series | 11–92 mm |
| Bore position in NU200-series (smallest first) | 32 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest NU200-series size | 245 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ252-MA | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same ISO 15 envelope 260×480×80 mm and equivalent catalogue ratings; the NJ execution differs in flange/retaining-ring configuration — boundary-dimension interchangeable, but axial-locating behaviour is not identical. |
| NUP252-MA | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same ISO 15 envelope 260×480×80 mm and equivalent catalogue ratings; the NUP execution differs in flange/retaining-ring configuration — boundary-dimension interchangeable, but axial-locating behaviour is not identical. |
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 NU252-MA model number is decoded
In SKF catalogue PUB BU/P1 17000, SKF NU 252 MA denotes a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing on the ISO 15 260×480×80 mm envelope, dimension series 2 (light-section ISO 15 envelope), with catalogue mass 68500 g. Structurally, the NU design has two integral flanges on the outer ring and no flanges on the inner ring, so the inner ring together with the roller set is separable. In arrangement terms it is non-locating: the inner ring assembly can float axially in both directions and the bearing cannot support axial load. The MA suffix marks the basic (non-E) execution with a machined brass cage, the standard choice for the larger and earlier-design sizes. The one-piece machined brass cage is reflected in the published speeds and temperature limits. With C 1170 kN and C0 1700 kN, size the bearing on the 260×480 mm ISO 15 envelope and check the 150 kN Pu against the equivalent-load floor; the catalogue lists 1,400 r/min thermal reference speed and 2,000 r/min mechanical limiting speed. Mounting: fit the inner ring and roller assembly onto the shaft and the outer ring into the housing independently; thermal expansion is absorbed by axial float, so do not trap the inner ring between shaft shoulders. A 260 mm seat normally takes a m6 interference with an H6 housing bore when the inner ring rotates.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- heavy turbogenerator rotor supports
- mining hoist and winder shafts
- offshore drawworks shafts
- large rolling-mill drive trains
Known failure patterns
- inner-ring raceway spalling from overload or contamination in the line-contact hertz zone
- outer-ring raceway fatigue after extended service at loads above the catalogue L10 rating
- cage pocket wear from roller skew at light load
- polymer cage cracking or softening after sustained running above 120 °C or with incompatible lubricant
- roller-end scoring from inadequate oil flow in the roller-raceway contact
- edge-loading fatigue after shaft deflection beyond the 3–4 minute alignment limit
- hard-particle indentation of the raceway in unfiltered oil systems
Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute
- Do not use a NU bearing where axial load must be carried — the design carries radial load only
- The dimension series 2 (light-section ISO 15 envelope) envelope is shared with the N/NU/NJ/NUP executions of 252, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 252 MA and do not substitute rib styles without checking the shaft locating scheme.
- Catalogue reference and limiting speeds are different criteria: observe the mechanical ceiling even when thermal calculations allow more.
- Shaft and housing fillets must clear the bearing chamfers; an oversized radius tilts the 80 mm-wide ring and concentrates load.
- The 1170/1700 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 (2018) values for the MA execution; re-verify against the current catalogue for critical drives and keep the catalogue version with the specification.
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions and catalogue data of NU252-MA?
SKF NU 252 MA is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 260 mm bore, 480 mm OD and 80 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 1170 kN, C0 1700 kN, Pu 150 kN, reference speed 1,400 r/min and limiting speed 2,000 r/min, mass about 68500 g.
What does the NU designation and MA suffix mean?
The MA suffix marks the basic (non-E) execution with a machined brass cage, the standard choice for the larger and earlier-design sizes. Structurally this execution has two integral flanges on the outer ring and no flanges on the inner ring, so the inner ring together with the roller set is separable.
Can NU252-MA take axial load and locate the shaft?
No — the inner ring has no flanges, so the NU bearing is non-locating and carries radial load only; use NJ (one direction), NUP (both directions) or a paired thrust bearing for axial duty.
How does NU252-MA compare with the other executions in the same envelope?
The N/NU/NJ/NUP executions share the ISO 15 envelope and load ratings but differ in flange arrangement and axial-locating behaviour; quote the exact order number.
What limits the service life of this bearing most often?
Line-contact fatigue above the L10 rating, cage wear at light loads and high temperatures, and edge loading from misalignment beyond about 3–4 minutes of arc are the typical failure drivers.
Reviewed & verified by the MPN Base engineering desk against source catalog SKF PUB BU/P1 17000/1 EN (Oct 2018), ch. 6.1 single-row cylindrical roller bearings on 2026-09-26. Read our editorial & correction policy.