6004 Bearing 20x42x12mm | RHD Bearings

The reliable friend who shows up with pizza and solutions - 20mm bore of pure problem-solving capability.

Meet the 6004: With 956kg (9.38kN) of engineering excellence and 20mm precision, this bearing delivers the perfect blend of personality and performance for your critical applications. The most widely used bearing in electronics, small motors, and precision instruments.

20mm
Bore Diameter
42mm
Outer Diameter
12mm
Width
9.38 kN
Load Rating
956 Kg
Load Capacity
0.068 Kg
Weight
6004 Bearing 20×42×12mm - RHD Bearings

6004 BEARING SPECIFICATIONS

Precision-engineered for reliability and performance

🔍 Common Search Terms

20mm bearing industrial automotive applications 6004 bearing load capacity specifications medium bearing 20x42x12 dimensions automotive bearing 20mm shaft reliable bearing Mumbai supplier industrial equipment bearing 20mm

📏Dimensions

d - ID (Bore Diameter)
20mm
D - OD (Outer Diameter)
42mm
B - Width
12mm
d₁ - Shoulder Diameter
≈27.2mm
D₂ - Recess Diameter
≈37.19mm
r₁,₂ - Chamfer Radius
min. 0.6mm
6004 Bearing: 20 × 42 × 12mm

Cross-Sectional View

6004 deep groove ball bearing technical drawing showing cross-sectional view, dimensions and specifications

Load Ratings

Dynamic Load (Cr) 9.38kN
Static Load (Cor) 5.02kN
Load Capacity (kN) 9.38kN
Load Capacity (kg) 956kg

💡What This Means

Dynamic Load (9.38kN): Maximum force while rotating. Exceeding this causes rapid wear and failure within hours.
Static Load (5.02kN): Maximum force when stationary. Use 80% for safety.
Calculate Your Load: Measure shaft forces, belt tensions, or gear loads. Include shock/vibration factors.
Failure Warning: Overloading causes bearing raceways to crack and balls to flatten permanently.

🔄Speed Limits

Grease Lubrication 16000 RPM
Oil Lubrication 19000 RPM
RHD Z2V2 Bearings 1400 RPM
RHD Z3V3 Bearings 2880 RPM
RHD Z4V4 Bearings 6000+ RPM

💡What This Means

Grease Limit (16000 RPM): Heat generation increases exponentially above this. Grease breaks down, causing seizure.
Oil Advantage (19000 RPM): Better heat dissipation allows higher speed. Required for high-speed spindles.
Safe Operating Speed: Use 90% of limit (14400 RPM) for maximum L10 life of 10,000+ hours.
Failure Mode: Exceeding speed causes cage failure, ball skidding, and catastrophic overheating within minutes.

🔧Material & Quality

Steel Grade SAE52100
Ball Grade G10
Carbon Content 0.95-1.05%
Chromium Content 1.40-1.65%
ISO Standard 15:2011 Compliant

💡What This Means

SAE52100 Chrome Steel: Premium bearing steel - harder than tool steel
G10 Balls: Ultra-precision balls with ±0.25µm tolerance
High Carbon: Superior hardness and wear resistance
Chromium: Adds corrosion resistance and toughness
ISO Standard: Fits any 6004 application worldwide

📊Vibration Classes

V2 Grade
Low: 130 μm/s
Med: 100 μm/s
High: 75 μm/s
V3 Grade
Low: 80 μm/s
Med: 60 μm/s
High: 45 μm/s
V4 Grade
Low: 60 μm/s
Med: 25 μm/s
High: 25 μm/s

💡What This Means

V2 Grade: Standard grade - good for general applications
V3 Grade: Low vibration - like a smooth car engine
V4 Grade: Ultra-smooth - for precision instruments
Frequency Bands: Measured across different rotation speeds

🔇Noise Levels

Z2 Grade < 41 dB
Z3 Grade < 36 dB
Z4 Grade (Quiet) < 31 dB
Application Precision Equipment

💡What This Means

Z2 Grade: Quiet as a library - good for most applications
Z3 Grade: Very quiet - like a whisper (40 dB = normal whisper)
Z4 Grade: Ultra-quiet - perfect for bedroom fans, medical equipment
Application: Ideal for sensitive environments

⚙️Internal Clearance

C2 (Tight) 0-10 μm
C0 (Normal) 5-20 μm
C3 (Loose) 13-28 μm
C4 (High Temp) 20-36 μm
C5 (Extra High Temp) 28-48 μm

💡What This Means

C2 (Tight): Precision applications - less play, more accurate
C0 (Normal): Standard choice - works for most applications
C3 (Loose): Better for hot environments - allows thermal expansion
C4 (Exta Loose): Hot or tight-fit setups — extra room for thermal expansion.
C5 (Max Loose): Extreme heat/tight fits or near-limit speeds — maximum expansion allowance

SEAL OPTIONS

Choose the right protection for your application

6004

High Speed

Open bearing, no seals

Speed Factor: 1.0 (16000 RPM)
Protection: None
Lubrication: External required

6004-Z

Balanced

Single metal shield

Speed Factor: 0.95 (15200 RPM)
Protection: Light dust protection
Lubrication: Pre-greased

6004-RS

Protected

Single rubber seal

Speed Factor: 0.8 (12800 RPM)
Protection: Moisture and dust
Lubrication: Pre-greased, sealed

APPLICATIONS

Precision performance across industries

Fan Shafts

  • Cooling fan motors
  • Ventilation exhaust fans
  • HVAC system blowers
  • Electric heater fans
  • Portable air purifier fans
  • Refrigeration unit blowers
  • Industrial exhaust systems
  • Heat exchanger fans

Key Requirements: 20mm shaft with 9.00kN (≈920kg) dynamic load capacity, 12,000 RPM grease lubrication, 47×14mm profile for fan assemblies

Precision Bearings

  • Medical instrument spindles
  • Scientific measurement joints
  • Robotic wrist actuators
  • Optical device mounts
  • Calibration equipment bearings
  • Laboratory stage rollers
  • Camera gimbal joints
  • Inspection tool pivots

Key Requirements: Precision 20mm bore with 5.5kN (≈560kg) static load rating for precision applications

Light Machinery

  • Food mixer shafts
  • Small agricultural equipment
  • Fitness machine pulleys
  • Workshop tool spindles
  • Textile equipment rollers
  • Robot base units
  • Light conveyor rollers
  • Small gearhead shafts

Key Requirements: 20mm bore, 14mm width, adaptable for various light machinery

Compatible Models & Shaft Requirements

Find bearings with the same bore size and ensure proper shaft preparation

🔧Shaft Requirements

Nominal Diameter 20.000mm
Tolerance Grade h6 (19.987-20.013mm)
Surface Finish Ra 0.8μm max
Runout Tolerance 0.013mm max

🎯Application-Specific Options

High Temperature: C3 clearance recommended
High Speed: RHD V3 & V4 bearings recommended
Corrosive Environment: SS (Stainless Steel) bearings recommended

Professional Expertise & Standards

Technical insights from 20+ years of bearing engineering and manufacturing excellence

🔋ISO Compliance

ISO 15:2011 compliant dimensions ensure interchangeability with global bearing standards and seamless replacement in existing equipment.

🔬Material Science

Gcr15 chrome steel composition optimized for reliable performance, providing superior hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue life.

⚙️Precision Engineering

C0 clearance standard for most applications, C3 available for high-temperature use. h6 shaft tolerance recommended for optimal performance.

🔧Professional Installation

Professional installation required for maximum service life. Proper tools and techniques prevent 80% of premature failures.

📊Performance Comparison

Handles 956kg load capacity with robust 12mm width. Superior Gcr15 steel vs. standard steel in competing products.

💰Value Engineering

Excellent value for medium-duty applications. Quality bearings last 3-10x longer than cheap alternatives, reducing total cost of ownership.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert guidance for 6004 bearing applications

Bearing Selection & Replacement

Can a 6004 bearing handle 1000kg loads in industrial equipment?

Close but not recommended - 6004 handles 956kg (956.76kg (9.38kN)), just under your 1000kg requirement.
Why This Matters
Operating at or above rated capacity significantly reduces bearing life and increases failure risk. The 44kg difference represents about 5% overload, which can reduce bearing life by 25-40% in continuous operation. Industrial equipment requires reliable performance under full loads.
How To Handle It
Consider 6005 or 6204 series for loads approaching 1000kg. If space constraints require 6004, ensure perfect alignment, premium lubrication, and eliminate shock loads. Implement condition monitoring systems for early problem detection.
Always maintain 15-20% safety margin for industrial equipment - for 1000kg loads, specify bearings rated at least 1200kg capacity.

What's the difference between 6004 and smaller 6003 bearings?

6004 has 20mm bore vs 6003's 17mm bore, providing significantly higher load capacity with increased dimensions.
Why This Matters
The 3mm bore increase provides substantially higher load capacity (956kg vs 612kg) with 2mm additional width (12mm vs 10mm). This makes 6004 ideal for applications requiring higher loads on 20mm shafts. The size increase provides excellent capacity improvement.
How To Handle It
Evaluate shaft size requirements - 20mm shafts are common in automotive and medium industrial equipment. Compare load requirements against the substantial capacity difference. Consider the width increase impact on available space and mounting requirements.
6004 provides 56% higher load capacity than 6003 with only 20% width increase - excellent performance scaling.

Is 6004 suitable for 20mm automotive component shafts?

Excellent choice for automotive components requiring reliable performance on 20mm shafts.
Why This Matters
Automotive applications subject bearings to varying loads, speeds, vibration, and temperature cycles. The 6004's 956kg capacity and 16000 RPM rating handle typical automotive requirements while premium Gcr15 steel provides durability against continuous operation and environmental stresses.
How To Handle It
Use sealed versions (6004-ZZ) for contaminated environments. Ensure proper installation with correct tolerances for thermal expansion. Consider operating temperature range and select appropriate clearance grade for automotive conditions.
Sealed bearings (6004-ZZ) provide 5-8 years of maintenance-free service in automotive applications.
Installation & Maintenance

What tools are needed to install a 68g 6004 bearing properly?

Standard bearing installation tools, heating equipment, and precision measuring instruments for proper 20mm bore installation.
Why This Matters
Proper installation prevents 80% of premature bearing failures. The 68g weight and 20mm bore require appropriate installation techniques to prevent internal damage. Medium-size bearings benefit from thermal installation while being substantial enough for standard installation procedures.
How To Handle It
Heat bearing to 80-90°C for thermal expansion. Use bearing installation tools or hydraulic press with proper adapters. Verify shaft tolerances (h6: 19.987-20.013mm) and housing concentricity. Avoid impact installation methods.
Thermal installation provides smooth, controlled installation - monitor temperature to prevent overheating and metallurgical damage.

How often should I inspect a 6004 bearing running at 14000 RPM?

Monthly inspections for bearings operating at 14000 RPM, at 88% of the 16000 RPM rating.
Why This Matters
Operating at 88% of rated speed with moderate to heavy loads requires regular monitoring to detect wear, contamination, or lubrication degradation. Medium-speed bearings in continuous operation benefit from systematic monitoring to optimize maintenance timing.
How To Handle It
Monitor temperature, noise, and vibration monthly. Check lubrication condition in open bearings or verify sealed bearing performance. Document measurements for trend analysis and predictive maintenance planning.
Comprehensive monitoring of temperature, vibration, and noise provides better failure prediction than single-parameter monitoring.

What lubrication schedule works for 6004 in automotive applications?

Sealed bearings for maintenance-free operation, or relubricate every 5000-8000 operating hours for open bearings.
Why This Matters
Automotive applications involve varying operating conditions with limited maintenance access in many installations. The 6004's size allows good grease capacity while automotive conditions require consistent lubrication performance over extended periods without intervention.
How To Handle It
Use sealed bearings (6004-ZZ) for maintenance-free operation in most automotive applications. For open bearings in accessible locations, use automotive-grade lithium grease with good temperature stability and moisture resistance.
Sealed bearings (6004-ZZ) eliminate maintenance schedules while providing 5-8 years of reliable automotive service.
Troubleshooting

Why does my 6004 bearing overheat under 800kg loads?

800kg is well within capacity - check lubrication adequacy, alignment precision, and installation quality.
Why This Matters
Operating at 84% of rated capacity should not cause overheating with proper conditions. Overheating at moderate loads indicates lubrication problems, misalignment, contamination, or installation errors requiring systematic investigation to prevent failure progression.
How To Handle It
Verify lubrication quantity, quality, and distribution. Check shaft and housing alignment within specified tolerances. Inspect for contamination sources or installation damage. Ensure proper internal clearances without binding or preload.
Systematic troubleshooting - verify lubrication first, then alignment, then installation integrity provides efficient problem resolution.

What causes periodic noise in 6004 bearings at 13000 RPM?

Periodic noise at 13000 RPM indicates contamination, lubrication irregularities, or developing wear patterns.
Why This Matters
Operating at 81% of rated speed should produce consistent, low noise levels. Periodic noise patterns indicate internal problems that will progress without intervention. The regular pattern suggests specific contamination or wear issues requiring attention.
How To Handle It
Stop and inspect for contamination, lubrication condition, and internal wear patterns. Check for proper grease distribution and consistency. Verify installation integrity and mounting surface condition. Replace if internal damage is confirmed.
Periodic noise patterns often indicate specific contamination or wear issues - systematic inspection prevents recurring problems.

How do I diagnose problems with 20mm 6004 bearings in equipment?

Use comprehensive monitoring including temperature, vibration, noise analysis, and lubrication condition assessment.
Why This Matters
Medium-size bearings allow comprehensive diagnostic approaches providing detailed problem assessment. The 20mm size provides adequate mass for effective vibration analysis while remaining accessible for temperature monitoring and inspection.
How To Handle It
Establish baseline measurements for all monitored parameters when bearings are new. Use infrared thermometry, vibration analysis, and acoustic monitoring. Correlate multiple measurements for accurate diagnosis and maintenance timing.
Multi-parameter monitoring provides comprehensive bearing health assessment - each parameter reveals different problem types.
Cost & Performance

Is it worth upgrading from 800kg to 6004's 956kg capacity?

Yes, the extra 156kg capacity provides 20% safety margin and significantly extended service life.
Why This Matters
Higher load capacity reduces internal stress levels, extending bearing life substantially in industrial and automotive applications. The moderate cost difference between bearing grades is minimal compared to replacement costs, downtime, and potential equipment damage.
How To Handle It
Calculate total ownership cost including replacement labor, equipment downtime, and maintenance intervals. Consider application safety requirements and load variation factors. Evaluate current bearing performance and failure patterns.
20% capacity safety margin typically doubles bearing life in medium-duty applications - excellent return on investment.

When should I pay more for bearings rated above 16000 RPM?

Only when operating speeds regularly exceed 14000 RPM or require speed capability for equipment optimization.
Why This Matters
Higher speed ratings require tighter tolerances and premium materials, increasing cost significantly. The 16000 RPM rating handles most medium-duty industrial and automotive applications effectively without premium cost.
How To Handle It
Analyze actual operating speeds including all conditions and future requirements. Consider equipment upgrade plans and optimization needs. Compare premium cost against specific performance benefits and lifecycle requirements.
Specify speed rating 10-15% above normal operating speed - provides adequate safety without unnecessary premium cost.

What's the cost difference between 6004 and larger 6005 bearings?

6005 costs 25-35% more than 6004 but provides higher load capacity for 25mm vs 20mm shafts.
Why This Matters
Size progression involves moderate cost increases but provides load capacity improvements. The 5mm shaft size difference may require design modifications but offers substantial capacity increase. Understanding cost scaling helps optimize selection within constraints.
How To Handle It
Compare application load requirements against shaft size modification requirements. Evaluate if design changes for larger shaft are justified by improved bearing capacity and reliability. Consider standardization benefits within product lines.
The 5mm size increase provides substantial capacity improvement - excellent value when design modifications for larger shaft are feasible.
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