NUP252-MA bearing: complete specifications & equivalents

The NUP252-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.

Bearing dimension schematic Front view shows outer diameter D and bore d; side section shows width B. D = 480 mm d = 260 B = 80 mm side section front view
Principal dimensions: bore d 260 mm, outer diameter D 480 mm, width B 80 mm. Schematic, not to scale.

Specification table

ParameterValue
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 72000 g
Manufacturer designation SKF NUP 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 & NUP200-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 NUP200-series 17 mm
Largest outer diameter in NUP200-series 480 mm
Width range across NUP200-series 12–80 mm
Bore position in NUP200-series (smallest first) 29 of 29
Bore above smallest NUP200-series size 243 mm

Cross references & equivalents

Equivalent modelBrandMatch levelNote
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.
NU252-MA SKF full
Dimensions and internal design equivalent — standard interchange.
Same ISO 15 envelope 260×480×80 mm and equivalent catalogue ratings; the NU 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 NUP252-MA model number is decoded

NUP252-MA is the 260 mm bore entry in the NUP200 range: a 260×480×80 mm single-row caged cylindrical roller bearing with a one-piece machined brass cage, rated C 1170 kN / C0 1700 kN. Structurally, the NUP design has two integral flanges on the outer ring plus one integral flange and one loose flange ring on the inner ring. In arrangement terms it is a locating bearing that positions the shaft axially in both directions while keeping the cylindrical-roller radial capacity. The MA suffix marks the basic (non-E) execution with a machined brass cage, the standard choice for the larger and earlier-design sizes. Speed planning for NUP252-MA: the catalogue lists 1,400 r/min thermal reference speed and 2,000 r/min mechanical limiting speed. The mass entry 72000 g covers the complete catalogue execution. Fit practice for NUP252-MA: the loose inner-ring flange must be fitted on the correct side and retained by the shaft abutment; never omit it during reassembly or the bearing loses its two-direction locating function. Single-row cylindrical rollers tolerate only about 3–4 minutes of arc misalignment, so verify shaft and housing alignment.

Typical equipment & failure modes

Common applications

  • mining hoist and winder shafts
  • offshore drawworks shafts
  • large rolling-mill drive trains
  • marine propulsion line 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
  • 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
  • brinelling from static overload or impact during handling and mounting

Selection pitfalls — read before you substitute

  • Do not use a NUP bearing where a floating non-locating bearing is required — the loose inner flange makes it a locating bearing
  • 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 NUP 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 NUP252-MA?

SKF NUP 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 72000 g.

What does the NUP 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 plus one integral flange and one loose flange ring on the inner ring.

Can NUP252-MA take axial load and locate the shaft?

Yes, in both directions: the integral inner flange plus the loose flange ring close both axial paths. Do not pair it with another locating bearing without thermal clearance.

How does NUP252-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.