Sealed versus open bearings: lubrication & protection
An open bearing relies on its surroundings for contamination control and lubricant supply. An integral closure changes that arrangement but does not make every bearing waterproof.
On this page5 sections ⌄
What to check
Review the existing lubrication path
An open bearing in a circulating-oil system cannot automatically be replaced with a grease-filled sealed version. Establish how lubricant enters, drains and cools the bearing.
Inspect the environment
Document dust, water, washing pressure, chemicals and orientation. The housing seal system can matter as much as the integral bearing seals.
Compare the exact closed variant
Check speed rating, seal material, grease and temperature limits. Removing a seal changes the specified product and can damage the seal or admit contamination.
Recorded catalogue candidates
First 12 records. Open all results to filter brands and technical attributes. These are search candidates, not approved replacements.
| Brand / complete designation | Type | d×D×B (mm) | Closure | Original precision | Clearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIMKEN00050 / 00150 | Tapered roller bearing | 12.7×38.1×13.495 | Open | ABMA Class 2 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02473 / 02420 | Tapered roller bearing | 25.4×68.262×22.225 | Open | ABMA Class 2 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02473 / 02420B | Tapered roller bearing | 25.4×68.262×8.73 | Open | ABMA Class 2 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02474 / 02420 | Tapered roller bearing | 28.575×68.262×22.225 | Open | ABMA Class 7 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02474-90010 | Tapered roller bearing | 28.575×68.262×22.225 | Open | ABMA Class 0 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02474A / 02420A | Tapered roller bearing | 29.987×68.262×21 | Open | ABMA Class 2 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02475 / 02420 | Tapered roller bearing | 31.75×68.262×22.225 | Open | ABMA Class 2 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02475 / 02420B | Tapered roller bearing | 31.75×68.262×8.73 | Open | ABMA Class 2 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02476 / 02420 | Tapered roller bearing | 31.75×68.262×22.225 | Open | ABMA Class 2 | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02872 / 02820 | Tapered roller bearing | 28.575×73.025×22.225 | Open | ABMA Class 7 | Not reported |
| SKF02872/02820/VA983 | Special single row tapered roller bearing | 28.575×73.025×— | Without | Not reported | Not reported |
| TIMKEN02872-90029 | Tapered roller bearing | 28.575×76.2×47.625 | Open | ABMA Class 2 | Not reported |
— = not recorded. Width conventions differ for tapered assemblies, thrust bearings and mounted units. Always inspect the dimensional drawing.
Filter all 35,220 records →Continue with real catalogue data
Preserve the full model, source description and unknown fields when making your shortlist. This reference website does not sell bearings or certify a replacement.
Related questions and tools
Bearing seal code chart: RS, 2RS, Z, ZZ, LLB & LLU
Use closure families to narrow the catalogue, then read the brand-specific specification. Similar-looking codes are not a universal suffix interchange table.
Read and apply →Contact versus non-contact bearing seals
A seal may touch a ring or operate with a small gap. Compare the actual design rather than assuming all rubber-looking closures have the same friction or protection.
Read and apply →608 2RS vs 608 ZZ: compare the full bearing specification
608 is a useful size example, not a universal recommendation. Compare the loaded 608 variants by closure, precision, clearance and lubrication.
Read and apply →Reference basis & data limits
Manufacturer terminology is retained in the product records. Technical reference basis: JTEKT Basic Bearing Knowledge (boundary dimensions, tolerance classes and lubrication); NSK Bearing ABCs (lubrication, designations and clearance); NTN technical FAQs (closure codes and component interchange); SKF rolling-bearing selection and maintenance references.
Selection workflows and catalogue grouping are BearingScope editorial aids. Verify the current drawing and application requirements before using a candidate. Missing database information is not converted into an assumed match.