604 Deep Groove Ball Bearing 4×12×4mm | RHD Bearings

The overachiever - so small it could fit in your pocket, but spins faster than your excuses on Monday morning.

Meet the 604: With 76kg (0.75kN) of engineering excellence and 4mm 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.

4mm
Bore Diameter
12mm
Outer Diameter
4mm
Width
0.75 kN
Load Rating
76 Kg
Load Capacity
0.0025 Kg
Weight
604 Bearing 4×12×4mm - RHD Bearings

604 BEARING SPECIFICATIONS

Precision-engineered for reliability and performance

🔍 Common Search Terms

604 bearing dimensions 4mm bore ball bearing miniature bearing for electronics cooling fan bearing 4mm precision instrument bearing micro automation bearing

📏Dimensions

d - ID (Bore Diameter)
4mm
D - OD (Outer Diameter)
12mm
B - Width
4mm
604 Bearing: 4 × 12 × 4mm

Bearing Cross-Sectional View

604 Deep Groove Ball Bearing Technical Drawing

Load Ratings

Dynamic Load (Cr) 0.75kN
Static Load (Cor) 0.34kN
Load Capacity (kN) 0.75kN
Load Capacity (kg) 76kg

💡What This Means

Dynamic Load (0.75kN): Maximum force while rotating. Exceeding this causes rapid wear and failure within hours.
Static Load (0.34kN): 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 32000 RPM
Oil Lubrication 40000 RPM
RHD Z2V2 Bearings 1400 RPM
RHD Z3V3 Bearings 2880 RPM
RHD Z4V4 Bearings 6000+ RPM

💡What This Means

Grease Limit (32000 RPM): Heat generation increases exponentially above this. Grease breaks down, causing seizure.
Oil Advantage (40000 RPM): Better heat dissipation allows higher speed. Required for high-speed spindles.
Safe Operating Speed: Use 90% of limit (28800 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 604 application worldwide

📊Vibration Classes

V2 Grade
Low: 48 μm/s
Med: 26 μm/s
High: 22 μm/s
V3 Grade
Low: 31 μm/s
Med: 16 μm/s
High: 15 μm/s
V4 Grade
Low: 28 μm/s
Med: 10 μm/s
High: 10 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 < 32 dB
Z3 Grade < 28 dB
Z4 Grade (Quiet) < 24 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) 0-7 μm
C0 (Normal) 2-13 μm
C3 (Loose) 8-23 μm
C4 (High Temp) 14-29 μm
C5 (Extra High Temp) 20-37 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

604

High Speed

Open bearing, no seals

Speed Factor: 1.0 (32000 RPM)
Protection: None
Lubrication: External required

604-Z

Balanced

Single metal shield

Speed Factor: 0.95 (30400 RPM)
Protection: Light dust protection
Lubrication: Pre-greased

604-RS

Protected

Single rubber seal

Speed Factor: 0.8 (25600 RPM)
Protection: Moisture and dust
Lubrication: Pre-greased, sealed

APPLICATIONS

Precision performance across industries

Micro-Electronic Systems

  • computer cooling fans
  • hard drive spindles
  • optical drives
  • printer mechanisms
  • scanner assemblies
  • CD/DVD drives
  • floppy disk drives
  • tape drive mechanisms

Key Requirements: 4mm shaft with 76kg (0.75kN) dynamic load capacity, 32,000 RPM grease lubrication, ultra-compact 12×4mm profile for micro-electronic applications

Precision Measurement Devices

  • calipers
  • micrometers
  • dial indicators
  • gauge blocks
  • measuring instruments
  • calibration tools
  • inspection fixtures
  • test equipment

Key Requirements: 4mm precision shaft with 35kg (0.34kN) static load rating, ultra-low friction operation, compact dimensions for handheld measurement tools

Miniature Automation

  • robotic joints
  • automated valves
  • control mechanisms
  • actuator assemblies
  • positioning systems
  • linear guides
  • conveyor rollers
  • sorting mechanisms

Key Requirements: 4mm shaft with 76kg load capacity, high-speed 32,000 RPM operation, lightweight 2.5g design for automated systems

Compatible Models & Shaft Requirements

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

🔧Shaft Requirements

Nominal Diameter 4.000mm
Tolerance Grade h6 (3.992-4.000mm)
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 micro-bearing applications, 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 50,000-hour service life. Proper tools and techniques prevent 80% of premature failures.

📊Performance Comparison

Handles 0.75kN more load than typical smaller bearings while maintaining ultra-compact design. Superior Gcr15 steel vs. standard steel in competing products.

💰Value Engineering

Best value in micro-bearing category for 0.75kN performance. Quality bearings last 3-10x longer than cheap alternatives, reducing total cost of ownership.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expert guidance for 604 bearing applications

Bearing Selection & Replacement

When should I choose 604 bearing over larger alternatives?

Choose 604 when you need ultra-compact 4×12×4mm profile with 76.5kg (0.75kN) dynamic load capacity for micro-electronic systems, precision instruments, or space-constrained automation applications.
Why This Matters
Selecting the right bearing size prevents system redesign, reduces costs, and ensures optimal performance in space-limited applications.
How To Handle It
Measure your shaft diameter (must be exactly 4mm), verify load requirements (≤76.5kg (0.75kN) dynamic), and confirm space constraints allow 12×4mm envelope.
604 is ideal for cooling fans, hard drives, and precision instruments where every millimeter matters.

Can 604 bearing replace other 4mm bore bearings?

Yes, 604 can replace other 4mm bore bearings if they have compatible outer diameter (≤12mm) and width (≤4mm) requirements, and load capacity needs (≤76.5kg (0.75kN) dynamic).
Why This Matters
Proper replacement ensures system compatibility, prevents premature failures, and maintains performance specifications.
How To Handle It
Verify dimensional compatibility (d×D×B), check load ratings, confirm clearance requirements, and ensure speed limitations are met.
Always check both dimensional and performance compatibility before replacement to avoid system issues.

What applications are 604 bearings NOT suitable for?

604 bearings are NOT suitable for applications requiring dynamic loads >76.5kg (0.75kN), speeds >32,000 RPM, operating temperatures >120°C, or environments with heavy contamination.
Why This Matters
Using bearings beyond their specifications leads to premature failure, increased maintenance costs, and potential system damage.
How To Handle It
For higher loads, consider 605 or 606 bearings. For higher speeds, use oil lubrication. For harsh environments, consider sealed or stainless steel alternatives.
Always verify application requirements against bearing specifications to ensure long service life.
Installation & Maintenance

What tools are needed for proper 604 bearing installation?

For 604 bearing installation, you need precision tools: 4mm bore gauge, micrometer for shaft measurement, bearing heater (80-100°C), clean gloves, and appropriate mounting tools for the 12mm outer diameter.
Why This Matters
Proper tools ensure accurate installation, prevent bearing damage, and maximize service life while maintaining precision requirements.
How To Handle It
Clean all components thoroughly, verify shaft dimensions (3.992-4.000mm), heat bearing to 80-100°C, and use proper mounting techniques to avoid damage.
Never force-fit 604 bearings - the 4mm bore requires precise shaft tolerances for optimal performance.

How often should 604 bearings be lubricated?

Why This Matters
Proper lubrication prevents wear, reduces friction, and extends bearing life. Over-lubrication can cause overheating, while under-lubrication leads to premature failure.
How To Handle It
Monitor operating temperature and noise levels. For open bearings, use high-quality grease compatible with operating conditions. Replace sealed bearings when performance degrades.
604 bearings in high-speed applications (>20,000 RPM) may require more frequent lubrication due to increased operating temperatures.

What maintenance schedule is recommended for 604 bearings?

For 604 bearings, inspect monthly for noise, vibration, and temperature changes. Clean and relubricate open bearings every 3-6 months. Replace sealed bearings every 2-3 years or when performance degrades.
Why This Matters
Regular maintenance prevents unexpected failures, maintains precision performance, and extends bearing service life in critical applications.
How To Handle It
Establish maintenance logs, monitor operating parameters, and replace bearings proactively rather than reactively. Use vibration analysis for early failure detection.
604 bearings in precision instruments require more frequent inspection due to critical performance requirements.
Troubleshooting & Problem Solving

Why is my 604 bearing making unusual noise?

Unusual noise in 604 bearings typically indicates contamination, improper lubrication, misalignment, or wear. The 4mm bore is sensitive to shaft imperfections and contamination due to its small size.
Why This Matters
Early noise detection prevents bearing failure, maintains system precision, and reduces maintenance costs in micro-applications.
How To Handle It
Inspect for contamination, check lubrication levels, verify shaft alignment and surface finish, and replace bearing if noise persists or worsens.
604 bearings amplify noise due to their small size - what sounds minor in larger bearings can indicate serious issues in micro-bearings.

What causes 604 bearing overheating?

604 bearing overheating is caused by over-lubrication, excessive load (>76.5kg (0.75kN)), high speeds (>32,000 RPM), misalignment, or contamination. The small size makes 604 bearings sensitive to these conditions.
Why This Matters
Overheating accelerates wear, reduces precision, and can cause catastrophic failure in micro-bearing applications.
How To Handle It
Check lubrication quantity and type, verify load and speed limits, inspect alignment, clean contamination, and ensure proper ventilation around the bearing.
604 bearings have limited heat dissipation due to small size - monitor temperature closely in high-speed applications.

How do I diagnose 604 bearing vibration issues?

Diagnose 604 bearing vibration by checking shaft runout (≤0.013mm), verifying balance, inspecting for contamination, and measuring vibration levels against V2/V3/V4 standards for 4mm bore bearings.
Why This Matters
Excessive vibration reduces precision, increases wear, and can damage connected equipment in micro-applications.
How To Handle It
Use vibration analysis tools, check shaft specifications, verify bearing installation, and replace bearing if vibration exceeds acceptable limits.
604 bearings require higher precision in shaft preparation due to their small size and sensitivity to imperfections.
Cost & Performance Optimization

How can I optimize 604 bearing performance for cost efficiency?

Optimize 604 bearing performance by selecting appropriate clearance (C0 for most applications), using proper lubrication, maintaining clean environment, and implementing preventive maintenance to extend service life beyond 50,000 hours.
Why This Matters
Performance optimization reduces total cost of ownership, minimizes downtime, and ensures consistent precision in micro-applications.
How To Handle It
Choose clearance based on application requirements, establish maintenance schedules, monitor operating conditions, and replace bearings proactively rather than reactively.
604 bearings offer excellent value when properly maintained - their small size means replacement costs are minimal compared to system downtime.

What factors affect 604 bearing service life?

604 bearing service life is affected by load conditions (≤76.5kg (0.75kN)), operating speed (≤32,000 RPM), environmental cleanliness, lubrication quality, installation precision, and maintenance practices.
Why This Matters
Understanding service life factors helps optimize maintenance schedules, reduce costs, and ensure reliable operation in critical micro-applications.
How To Handle It
Monitor operating parameters, maintain clean environment, use quality lubricants, implement preventive maintenance, and replace bearings based on performance degradation.
604 bearings can achieve 50,000+ hours service life when operated within specifications and properly maintained.

How do 604 bearings compare to alternatives in terms of total cost?

604 bearings offer excellent total cost value for micro-applications due to their compact size, reliable performance, and low replacement costs. Quality 604 bearings last 3-10x longer than cheap alternatives, reducing total cost of ownership.
Why This Matters
Total cost analysis helps make informed purchasing decisions, considering initial cost, maintenance, replacement, and downtime costs over the bearing's service life.
How To Handle It
Compare initial costs, expected service life, maintenance requirements, and replacement costs. Consider system downtime costs when evaluating alternatives.
604 bearings provide optimal cost-performance ratio for micro-applications when quality and proper maintenance are prioritized.
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