My Account   01603 720713  
Bearing Search
Inside Diameter
mm
Outside Diameter
mm
Width
mm
Type
Belt Search
Belt Length
mm
Type
Why Us?
 1000's of items in stock
 Established in 2006
 Free Shipping
 Next Day Available
 150,000+ happy customers
 10,000,000+ items delivered
We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express

Measuring Bearings

How to Measure and Choose the Correct Bearing Type

Reference Numbers

The quickest way to determine which bearing you require is using the bearings reference number.

Most bearings have their references numbers engraved on the bearings themselves, but these often rub off over time and so it may be necessary to measure the bearing yourself, as described below.

Measuring Bearings

It is sometimes necessary to measure bearings to determine the correct bearing type.

You can measure the dimensions of a bearing by using a vernier calliper like the one below or measuring accurately with a ruler.

All bearings will have a width, an inner diameter and an outside diameter.

Once you have determined the dimensions of your bearing, you can use our bearing search tool to find the correct bearing.

Bearing Suffixes

Once you measured your bearing, you can use our search to find the correct bearing size.

e.g. Inside Diameter: 25mm; Outside Diameter: 52mm; Width: 15mm - Bearing Type: 6205

Once you know the bearing you need based on size, you can then choose further options:

The bearing also has a seal either side of the bearing and this will be indicated by the suffix:

ZZ or 2Z = 2 Metal Shields
2RS1 or 2RSR or DDU= 2 Rubber Seals

Additionally, bearings also have a clearance value. This provides the bearing room for expansion between the bearing races and will add a small amount of play between the two rings.

An example of where a larger clearance is required is if a bearing is likely to get hot. The heat needs room to escape otherwise there is a risk of bearing failure.

C2 = Clearance is less than international standard

No Markings = Standard Clearance

C3 = Clearance is greater than international standard 

C4 = Clearance is greater than C3 

 

 

Last Modified: 14th Sep 2021