TIMKEN 6203-2RS 17x40x12 Sealed Deep Groove Ball Bearing

TIMKEN 6203-2RS 17x40x12 Sealed Deep Groove Ball Bearing

TIMKEN 6203-2RS is a single-row deep groove ball bearing with nominal dimensions of 17x40x12 mm. The bore diameter d is 17 mm, outside diameter D is 40 mm and width B is 12 mm. The 2RS designation identifies two contact seals, providing closure on both sides of the bearing.

TIMKEN 6203-2RS – characteristics

TIMKEN 6203-2RS belongs to the metric 6200 series of deep groove ball bearings.

The manufacturer's technical data for this exact reference confirm:

• single-row deep groove ball bearing construction,
• 17x40x12 mm dimensions,
• two contact seals,
• 52100 bearing steel,
• standard industrial grease,
• dynamic radial load rating of 9,600 N,
• static radial load rating of 4,800 N,
• grease limiting speed of 12,000 rpm.

The 2RS configuration is technically different from an open 6203 bearing and from the TIMKEN 6203-2RZ version with non-contact seals.

Dimensions of TIMKEN 6203-2RS

For this bearing, the dimensional sequence is d x D x B:

d – bore diameter 17 mm
D – outside diameter 40 mm
B – bearing width 12 mm

Bearing construction

TIMKEN 6203-2RS is a single-row deep groove ball bearing.

The inner and outer rings have deep raceway grooves operating with a single row of balls. This geometry is designed primarily for radial loads while also allowing the bearing to accommodate axial loads in both directions.

A defining feature of this particular version is its two contact seals.

The bearing is supplied with standard industrial grease, allowing the internal lubricant to be retained behind the seals.

What does 2RS mean?

In TIMKEN nomenclature:

RS – one contact seal
2RS – two contact seals

TIMKEN 6203-2RS therefore has a contact seal on both sides of the bearing.

The seals help retain lubricant inside the bearing and restrict the ingress of contaminants.

This is an important distinction from 6203-2RZ, for which TIMKEN specifies two non-contact seals.

52100 bearing steel

TIMKEN specifies 52100 steel for the 6203-2RS.

This is the bearing steel specified for the rings and rolling elements of this bearing design.

Because this information is stated in the manufacturer's technical data for the exact 6203-2RS reference, it can be assigned directly to this product rather than inferred from similar 6203 bearings.

Cage construction

TIMKEN documentation for this bearing family specifies a two-piece riveted steel cage.

The cage separates and maintains the circumferential spacing of the balls during operation.

When a technically equivalent bearing is being selected, cage design can be one of the parameters requiring comparison if it is relevant to the operating conditions.

Load ratings

TIMKEN specifies the following ratings for 6203-2RS:

The dynamic load rating is used in bearing-life calculations under dynamic operating conditions.

The static load rating relates to the bearing's resistance to permanent deformation under stationary or very low-speed loading conditions.

These catalogue ratings should not be interpreted as the maximum permissible machine load without considering the complete bearing arrangement and required service life.

Radial and axial loads

As a deep groove ball bearing, TIMKEN 6203-2RS is primarily designed to accommodate radial loads.

Its deep raceway geometry also allows it to accommodate axial loads in both directions.

The permissible combination of radial and axial loading depends on the actual operating conditions and should be evaluated when designing or verifying the bearing arrangement.

Limiting speed

TIMKEN specifies a grease limiting speed of:

12,000 rpm

for the 6203-2RS.

This is a catalogue limiting-speed value and should not automatically be treated as the permissible continuous operating speed in every installation.

Actual operating speed can be affected by load, temperature, fits, lubrication and heat dissipation.

TIMKEN 6203-2RS vs 6203-2RZ

TIMKEN distinguishes between these two sealing configurations:

The different sealing principles influence friction and permissible speed.

TIMKEN data specify:

6203-2RS – grease limiting speed 12,000 rpm

6203-2RZ – grease limiting speed 17,000 rpm

For this reason, 2RS and 2RZ should not be treated as identical bearing configurations.

Selecting an equivalent for TIMKEN 6203-2RS

When evaluating an equivalent bearing, verify at least:

1. bearing type – single-row deep groove ball bearing,
2. bore diameter d – 17 mm,
3. outside diameter D – 40 mm,
4. width B – 12 mm,
5. two-sided sealing,
6. contact seal design,
7. required radial internal clearance,
8. dynamic load rating,
9. static load rating,
10. permissible operating speed,
11. cage requirements where relevant.

Matching dimensions of 17x40x12 mm alone do not establish full interchangeability.

An open 6203, contact-sealed 6203-2RS and non-contact-sealed 6203-2RZ may share the same principal dimensions while differing in important operating characteristics.

Technical specification

FAQ – TIMKEN 6203-2RS

What are the dimensions of TIMKEN 6203-2RS?

The bearing measures 17x40x12 mm: bore diameter d 17 mm, outside diameter D 40 mm and width B 12 mm.

What type of bearing is TIMKEN 6203-2RS?

It is a single-row deep groove ball bearing with contact seals on both sides.

What does 2RS mean?

2RS means the bearing has two contact seals, one on each side.

Is TIMKEN 6203-2RS factory lubricated?

Yes. TIMKEN specifies standard industrial grease for this bearing.

What are the load ratings of TIMKEN 6203-2RS?

The basic dynamic radial load rating is 9.60 kN, while the basic static radial load rating is 4.80 kN.

What is the limiting speed of 6203-2RS?

TIMKEN specifies a grease limiting speed of 12,000 rpm.

What is the difference between 6203-2RS and 6203-2RZ?

6203-2RS uses two contact seals, while 6203-2RZ uses two non-contact seals. Their friction and limiting-speed characteristics therefore differ.

Is every 17x40x12 mm bearing interchangeable with 6203-2RS?

No. Dimensions alone are insufficient. Seal type, internal clearance, load ratings, speed capability and other requirements of the bearing arrangement must also be compared.

AI Overview

TIMKEN 6203-2RS is a sealed single-row deep groove ball bearing measuring 17x40x12 mm. It has two contact seals and is filled with standard industrial grease. TIMKEN specifies a dynamic radial load rating of 9.60 kN, static radial load rating of 4.80 kN and grease limiting speed of 12,000 rpm.