NU2304-ECP bearing: complete specifications & equivalents
The NU2304-ECP is a ISO 15 radial bearing sized 20 x 52 x 21 mm (bore x OD x width). Verify dimensions against the official catalog before ordering.
Specification table
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | SKF |
| Bore diameter d | 20 mm |
| Outer diameter D | 52 mm |
| Width B | 21 mm |
| Material | GCr15 |
| Seal / shield | open |
| Internal clearance | CN |
| Tolerance class | P0 |
| Cage | polymer (PA66 glass-fibre reinforced) |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 47.5 kN |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 38 kN |
| Fatigue load limit Pu | 4.8 kN |
| Reference speed (thermal) | 15000 rpm |
| Limiting speed (mechanical) | 18000 rpm |
| Operating temperature | -40 to +120 °C |
| Mass | 210 g |
| Manufacturer designation | SKF NU 2304 ECP |
| 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 & NU2300-series range
| Bore d | 0.787 in |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter D | 2.047 in |
| Width B | 0.827 in |
| ISO bore code | 04 |
| Radial section height (D−d)/2 | 16 mm |
| Smallest bore in NU2300-series | 20 mm |
| Largest outer diameter in NU2300-series | 750 mm |
| Width range across NU2300-series | 21–224 mm |
| Bore position in NU2300-series (smallest first) | 1 of 35 |
| Bore above smallest NU2300-series size | 0 mm |
Cross references & equivalents
| Equivalent model | Brand | Match level | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| NJ2304-ECP | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same ISO 15 envelope 20×52×21 mm and equivalent catalogue ratings; the NJ execution differs in flange/retaining-ring configuration — boundary-dimension interchangeable, but axial-locating behaviour is not identical. |
| NUP2304-ECP | SKF | full Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange. | Same ISO 15 envelope 20×52×21 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 NU2304-ECP model number is decoded
Ordering number SKF NU 2304 ECP resolves to a 20×52×21 mm single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing (dimension series 23 (medium-section, wide)); 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. 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. Reading the order-string suffix ECP: the E-design execution with a glass-fibre reinforced polyamide (PA66) cage, limited to 120 °C continuous. With C 47.5 kN and C0 38 kN, size the bearing on the 20×52 mm ISO 15 envelope and check the 4.8 kN Pu against the equivalent-load floor; the catalogue lists 15,000 r/min thermal reference speed and 18,000 r/min mechanical limiting speed. Assembly note: 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. Heat steel rings inductively to max 120 °C — the PA66 cage sets the ceiling.
Typical equipment & failure modes
Common applications
- motor-cycle and small-engine transmissions
- appliance and fan armature shafts
- small pump rotor shafts
- small industrial electric-motor shafts
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
- polymer cage softening above 120 °C
- cage pocket wear from roller skidding at insufficient radial load or during start-up before oil film build-up
- surface distress (micro-pitting) when the EHL film falls below the composite roughness at high specific load
- 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 23 (medium-section, wide) envelope is shared with the N/NU/NJ/NUP executions of 2304, but flange configuration and axial-locating behaviour differ — quote the full SKF NU 2304 ECP 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 21 mm-wide ring and concentrates load.
- The 47.5/38 kN ratings are SKF catalogue 17000 (2018) values for the ECP 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 NU2304-ECP?
SKF NU 2304 ECP is a single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with 20 mm bore, 52 mm OD and 21 mm width per ISO 15. SKF lists C 47.5 kN, C0 38 kN, Pu 4.8 kN, reference speed 15,000 r/min and limiting speed 18,000 r/min, mass about 210 g.
What does the NU designation and ECP suffix mean?
The ECP suffix marks the E-design execution with a glass-fibre reinforced polyamide (PA66) cage, limited to 120 °C continuous. 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 NU2304-ECP 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 NU2304-ECP 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.