Bearings

[Adjuster]

My parts catalog says I need 'bearing 6203'. Easy to find on Ebay but then all the bearings have letter codes after the 6203 number. What do these letter codes mean and what should I purchase? Anyone have any recommendations?

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...+6203&_sacat=0


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[SpudRider]

The 2RS indicates two rubber seals. You definitely want a 2RS bearing.

6203 2RS

I don't know what the C3 designates.

[Adjuster]

Thanks Spud.

Interestingly I just watched a bunch of YouTube videos on greasing sealed bearings. And from my research a lot of experienced guys say all sealed bearings should be opened and packed with grease before install because the factorys never use enough grease or the grease might be old and hard. Stating that your bearings will last much longer. I may try to regrease mine just for fun.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...sealed+bearing


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[SpudRider]

You're welcome.

I was going to mention that myself. Indeed, I always remove the two rubber seals and add extra grease to the bearings before I install them. This is why you what a 2RS bearing. Some of the bearings have metal seals, which you can't remove.

[Weldangrind]

I think that's the difference between a quality Japanese bearing and a China bearing.

[Adjuster]

I removed my front wheel and greased my bearings. One bearing was ok with grease but the other bearing barely had any grease. I packed them both with more grease and now good to go. I would recommend everyone check their bearings. A little preventative maintenance could save your day out on the street or trail. Some of the YouTube videos I watched the bearings completely disintegrated.


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[pete]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

I don't know what the C3 designates.

C1 = 1 thou ball to race clearance
C2 = 2 thou
C3 = 3 thou
C4 = 4 thou
etc
etc

grease lubed bearings I use C4 when possable...





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[SpudRider]

Thanks for the information, Pete.

According to the following link:
http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/faq.php?cID=1#1

What are C3 bearings?

C3 bearings are bearings that have an additional internal radial clearance to cope with high speed environments where excess heat is generated.

They are not suited to environments where critical alignment is required from the onset e.g. Where blades and cutters are set up to each other.

Applications like motorcycle wheels or bicycle wheels do not require C3 rated bearings.

Unless the bearing you are replacing specifically says C3 on it then you should not replace it with a C3 bearing, C3 Bearings are loose to the feel from new and often people complain at the quality of the bearing being poor and having more movement than the one they are replacing. This is the characteristic of a C3 bearing.