The 6202RS bearing is a versatile, single-row deep groove ball bearing with rubber seals on both sides.
Commonly used in electric motors, automotive components, and industrial machinery, this bearing offers durability and reliable performance in various operating conditions.
In this blog, we will focus on the key features and applications of the 6202RS bearing.
What Is the 6202RS Bearing?
The 6202RS is a single-row deep groove ball bearing with a rubber contact seal on one side. It is one of the most popular bearings manufactured today — found in everything from household appliances and power tools to electric motors and automotive accessories.
Breaking down the part number gives a clear picture of what you're getting:
Code Segment | Meaning | Details |
6 | Series Type | Deep groove ball bearing (single row) |
2 | Width Series | Narrow width (light duty) |
02 | Bore Size Code | Bore = 02 × 5 = 15 mm |
RS | Seal Type | Rubber contact seal on one side |
Quick Fact: The 'RS' suffix stands for Rubber Sealed. A bearing labeled 2RS has rubber seals on both sides. Many manufacturers use RS1, RSH, or LLU for their own rubber seal variants — all describe the same fundamental design.
Dimensions & Physical Specifications
The 6202RS follows ISO 15 standards, ensuring full interchangeability across brands (SKF, NSK, FAG, NTN, Timken, etc.). Here are the critical dimensional specs:
Parameter | Value | Unit |
Bore Diameter (d) | 15 | mm |
Outer Diameter (D) | 35 | mm |
Width (B) | 11 | mm |
Corner Radius (r min) | 0.6 | mm |
Mass (approximate) | 33 | grams |
Dynamic Load Rating (C) | 3,500 | N |
Static Load Rating (C₀) | 1,960 | N |
Fatigue Load Limit | 83 | N |
Key Features & Design Elements
Single-Row Deep Groove Design
The 6202RS uses a deep groove raceway that can handle bothradialand moderateaxialloads in either direction. The groove depth is engineered to allow angular misalignment up to about 2–10 arc minutes, which accommodates minor shaft deflections.
Rubber Contact Seal (RS)
The "RS" seal is a lip seal made from nitrile rubber (NBR) — or Viton/HNBR in specialty versions — that makes physical contact with the inner ring. This contact provides an excellent barrier against dust, moisture, and contaminants, making the 6202RS ideal for dirty or wet operating environments.
Speed Note: Because the rubber lip creates friction against the inner ring, the 6202RS has a lower maximum speed rating compared to the non-contact shield variant (6202ZZ). If high-speed operation is required, consider 6202ZZ or open variants.
Pre-Lubricated with Grease
The 6202RS comes pre-packed with grease (typically a lithium-based NLGI Grade 2 grease) behind the seal. This makes installation straightforward — no external lubrication is needed for most applications, significantly reducing maintenance requirements.
Steel Cage
Standard 6202RS bearings use a pressed steel cage that holds the balls evenly spaced around the raceway. Some premium variants use nylon (polyamide) cages, which are quieter, lighter, and better suited for applications where vibration and noise must be minimized.
6202RS vs. Other Variants
The 6202 family covers several sealing and shielding configurations. Choosing the right one depends on your application's speed, contamination exposure, and lubrication requirements:
Rule of thumb: If contamination is a bigger concern than speed — choose 2RS. If speed is critical in a clean environment — choose ZZ or Open. For balanced, general-purpose use — RS is the sweet spot.
Materials & Lubrication
Component | Standard Material | Alternative Options |
Inner & Outer Rings | Chrome steel (52100 / GCr15) | Stainless steel (440C), ceramic hybrid |
Rolling Elements (Balls) | Chrome steel | Si₃N₄ ceramic, stainless steel |
Cage | Pressed steel | PA66 nylon, brass, phenolic resin |
Seal | Nitrile rubber (NBR) | HNBR (high-temp), Viton (chemical resistance) |
Grease (pre-fill) | Lithium NLGI #2 | Polyurea (high-temp), silicone (low-temp) |
Temperature Range
Standard 6202RS bearings operate comfortably between −20°C and +120°C. The NBR seal limits the upper range; switching to HNBR or Viton seals can extend operation to +150°C. Cryogenic applications require special low-temperature grease.
Lubrication Tip: Never add extra grease to a sealed 6202RS — it is factory-packed to the correct fill level (~30% free space). Over-packing causes overheating. Only open-type or shielded (Z/ZZ) bearings allow re-lubrication.
Load Ratings & Speed Limits
Understanding load and speed limitations is critical for correct bearing selection and predicting bearing life (L10 life, measured in millions of revolutions).
Parameter | 6202RS Value | Notes |
Dynamic Load Rating (C) | 3,500 N (3.5 kN) | Basis for L10 life calculation |
Static Load Rating (C₀) | 1,960 N (1.96 kN) | Maximum load when stationary |
Limiting Speed (Grease) | 13,000 – 15,000 rpm | With factory grease fill |
Limiting Speed (Oil) | ~20,000 rpm | Open variant only |
Axial Load Capacity | ~25–30% of radial capacity | Moderate axial loads acceptable |
L10 Bearing Life Formula
The ISO 281 standard formula for basic L10 rating life is:
Industry Applications
The 6202RS is one of the most versatile small bearings in the world. Its combination of sealed protection, compact size, and reliable load capacity makes it useful across dozens of industries:
How to Select the Right 6202 Bearing
Before ordering, run through this quick checklist:
Top 6202RS Manufacturers
The 6202RS is produced by virtually every major bearing brand. Here are the most widely specified:
Installation & Maintenance Tips
Installation Best Practices
Incorrect installation is the leading cause of premature bearing failure. Follow these steps:
Step | Action | Why It Matters |
1 | Inspect shaft and housing for burrs, damage, and correct dimensions | Surface defects cause uneven stress and early failure |
2 | Clean the mounting surfaces with lint-free cloth and solvent | Contamination is the #1 cause of bearing damage |
3 | Apply light pressure only to the ring being press-fitted; never through the balls | Loading through balls brinells the raceways |
4 | Use a bearing press, sleeve, or induction heater — not a hammer | Impact damage causes cracks invisible to the eye |
5 | Verify end-play or preload as specified for the assembly | Incorrect preload reduces service life drastically |
6 | Run at low speed initially; listen for unusual noise | Catches installation problems before damage escalates |
Noise Diagnosis: A new 6202RS should run quietly. High-pitched whine = contamination or misalignment. Rumbling = brinelling or fatigue spalling. Intermittent clicking = debris in the raceway. Any abnormal noise warrants immediate inspection.
When to Replace
Sealed 6202RS bearings are typicallyreplace-rather-than-repaircomponents. Signs that indicate replacement is needed:
Increased vibration or noise during operation
Elevated operating temperature (20°C+ above normal)
Visible corrosion, pitting, or discoloration on the seal
Excessive shaft play (axial or radial)
Grease leakage past the rubber seal
Contact LILY Bearing for expert guidance or to explore our high-quality 6202RS bearing series.
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