6206 Bearing: Dimensions, Load Rating & Equivalents (6206-2RS, ZZ, C3)

A standard 6206 bearing measures 30 × 62 × 16 mm: bore × outside diameter × width. It is a single-row deep groove ball bearing that supports radial loads and axial loads in both directions. The complete designation determines whether a replacement suits the application.

A 6206-2RS and a 6206-ZZ normally share those boundary dimensions. Their closures differ. C3 describes internal clearance and can appear with either closure type. Load ratings and speed limits must come from the exact product specification.

6206 bearing dimensions

These are nominal bearing dimensions, not a shaft or housing machining specification. The bearing tolerances, shaft fit, housing fit and shoulder geometry require separate checks.

The final two digits, 06, identify a 30 mm bore: 6 × 5 = 30. This bore-code rule applies to these standard metric designations from code 04 upward; codes 00–03 use separate values.

What is the load rating of a 6206 bearing?

There is no single load rating that applies to every 6206. Boundary dimensions can match while materials, internal geometry and catalog ratings differ.

Sources: NSK online catalog, 6206; SKF online catalog, 6206-RZ. Checked October 16, 2026. These values are not specifications for every 6206 or for a LILY product.

C is a fatigue-life calculation input, not a maximum working load. C₀ is used in checks for permanent deformation under static or very slow operating conditions. Neither value is a universal allowable axial load.

A worked life calculation

For a ball bearing under constant conditions, the basic rating-life equation is:

L₁₀h = [10⁶ / (60n)] × (C/P)³

Here, n is speed in rpm, P is the equivalent dynamic bearing load, and C and P use the same units. L₁₀h is the basic rating life in hours at 90% reliability against rolling-contact fatigue.

Using the NSK catalog example, assume C = 21.4 kN, P = 2.0 kN and n = 1,800 rpm. The calculated L₁₀h is approximately 11,343 hours.

This is an illustrative fatigue calculation, not a service-life guarantee. It does not establish grease life or account for contamination, electrical damage or mounting errors. With combined radial and axial loads, calculate P using the manufacturer's applicable factors.

Calculation method: NSK, Bearing ABCs, “Dynamic Load Ratings and Fatigue Life.” For technical background on prediction models, see NASA’s review of rolling bearing life prediction.

6206-2RS, 6206-ZZ and 6206-C3: what changes?

Contact seals generally provide better protection against contamination than shields, with more seal friction. Shields have a non-contact gap and are not watertight. Non-contact and low-friction seals also exist, so “sealed” alone does not define the operating behavior. For the general trade-offs, see our comparison of shielded and sealed bearings.

Suffixes vary by manufacturer. NSK uses ZZ for two shields, DDU for two contact seals and VV for two non-contact seals. A generic 2RS listing is not enough to establish equivalence to a specific manufacturer's sealed bearing.

What C3 means on a 30 mm bore bearing

In NSK's published deep groove ball bearing clearance table, the bore range over 24 mm through 30 mm has these unmounted radial clearance values:

The ranges overlap. C3 specifies a clearance group; it does not mean a fixed gap. These are reference values before mounting, subject to the catalog's measurement conditions. Use the selected supplier's specification for acceptance.

Interference fits and temperature differences between the rings change operating clearance. C3 is neither a higher precision class nor a built-in preload. Keep the specified clearance when replacing an existing bearing unless the application has been reassessed.

Sources for suffixes and clearance: NSK Bearing and Linear Replacement Guide; NSK Online Catalog Internal Clearance table.

Which bearings are equivalent to a 6206?

A replacement needs both dimensional and operating compatibility. Matching 30 × 62 × 16 mm is the first check.

For a shielded application, 6206-ZZ and 6206-2Z are common designation formats to investigate. The following examples identify closure categories, not approved substitutions:

Designation references: NSK online catalog, 6206ZZ and 6206DDU; SKF Bearing Handbook for Electric Motors, seal-design table. Confirm the full suffix string with the supplier.

Also compare clearance, load ratings, speed capability, grease, cage, precision and any electrical insulation requirement. Stainless, hybrid ceramic and all-ceramic versions may fit the same envelope but have different performance specifications.

The shared 30 mm bore does not make 6006 or 6306 interchangeable with 6206.

6206 variants listed by LILY

The following LILY listings show why the complete designation matters. Eight have the standard 30 × 62 × 16 mm envelope. The special-bore 6206-18DDUCESA does not. Open each model page to check its configuration before ordering.

Do not reduce a complete suffix string to “6206.” Z identifies one shield and 2Z identifies two. N identifies an outer-ring snap-ring groove; NR includes the snap ring. Check groove dimensions, ring position and housing retention against the drawing.

W64 identifies Solid Oil, an oil-filled polymer lubrication system, rather than an ordinary grease fill. Its operating limits require separate verification. The two JEM listings above have different published clearance groups; do not assign clearance from the letters JEM alone.

The special-bore listing gives 28.6 mm as its bore diameter. Obtain the dimensional drawing and required shaft fit before selecting it; do not round this value to 30 mm or apply the standard 06 bore-code rule to this modified designation.

Source: the linked LILY product specification tables, checked October 16, 2026. Dimensions are nominal listing values; final acceptance requires the approved drawing and full specification. This table does not establish load ratings, speed limits or automatic interchangeability.

Before ordering a replacement

Record the complete bearing marking and any motor or machine specification. Confirm the closure type, clearance group, grease requirement and operating speed. Check shaft and housing condition if the previous bearing loosened or overheated.

Browse LILY's deep groove ball bearings to identify available configurations. For an application review, contact us with the full marking, operating conditions and required quantity.

FAQ

Can I identify a 6206 if the marking has worn off?

Measurements of 30 × 62 × 16 mm identify the standard envelope, but they cannot establish grease, clearance or special internal features. Check the equipment parts list before ordering.

Can I wash and regrease a new sealed 6206 before fitting?

Follow the supplier's instructions. New pregreased sealed bearings are generally installed as supplied; solvent cleaning or seal removal can disturb the lubricant fill and damage the closures.