The 5201 bearing is a member of the 5200-series double-row angular contact family commonly used where higher radial loads and bi-directional axial loads are present. It’s popular because it combines compact dimensions with good rigidity and offers multiple sealing options for different working environments.
5201 Bearing — Key Specifications
Bore (d): 12 mm
Outer diameter (D): 32 mm
Width (B): 15.9 mm
Common variants / suffixes: open, ZZ (metal shields), 2RS (rubber seals)
Typical materials: Chrome steel (AISI 52100) or stainless steel for special environments
When someone orders a “5201,” it usually refers to a 12×32×15.9 mm double-row bearing — just confirm the suffix (2RS / ZZ / open) for the correct sealing type.
What Size is a 5201 Bearing?
The standard boundary dimensions for a 5201 bearing are:
d = 12 mm (bore)
D = 32 mm (outer diameter)
B = 15.9 mm (width)
Manufacturers may round the width to 16 mm in catalogs. Always check the exact datasheet before designing your housing or shaft fit.
5201 Bearing Sealing Solutions
Sealing is crucial to bearing life — it keeps out contaminants and retains grease or oil. Common options include:
Open type: No seal or shield. Best for high-speed, clean, and lubricated environments.
5201ZZ / 2Z (metal shields): Non-contact shields offer protection from large particles while maintaining high-speed performance.
5201-2RS (rubber contact seals): Provide the best protection against dust, moisture, and debris. Slightly higher friction, but excellent grease retention.
Pre-lubricated sealed types: Many 5201-2RS or 5201-ZZ bearings come filled with high-quality grease, ready for immediate installation.
How to choose:
Use open type for clean and lubricated housings, ZZ for moderate protection with high speeds, and 2RS for dirty or wet conditions where maintenance access is limited.
What is a 5201 Bearing Used For?
5201 bearings are widely used in applications that need compactness with the ability to handle both radial and axial loads. Typical uses include:
Pumps and compressors
Gearboxes and transmissions
Electric motors and blower shafts
Printing, textile, and packaging machinery
Conveyors, agricultural machinery, and robotics
These bearings combine the function of two single-row angular contact bearings in one unit, saving space and simplifying installation.
Installation & Maintenance Tips
1. Mounting fit: Follow manufacturer’s recommended shaft and housing fits. Do not strike the bearing rings during installation.
2. Lubrication: Sealed bearings are pre-lubricated; open or shielded types need suitable grease or oil.
3. Alignment: Ensure proper alignment and preload, especially for high-speed or precision applications.
4. Clean environment: Keep bearings and tools clean during assembly to prevent premature failure.
5200 Series Double-Row Angular Contact Bearing Size Chart
| ID Bore (mm) | OD (mm) | Width (mm) | Series |
| 10 mm | 30 mm | 14 mm | 5200 |
| 12 mm | 32 mm | 15.9 mm | 5201 |
| 15 mm | 35 mm | 15.9 mm | 5202 |
| 18.25 mm | W 5202 | ||
| 17 mm | 40 mm | 17.5 mm | 5203 |
| 20 mm | 47 mm | 20.6 mm | 5204 |
| 25 mm | 52 mm | 20.6 mm | 5205 |
| 30 mm | 62 mm | 23.8 mm | 5206 |
| 27 mm | W 5206 | ||
| 35 mm | 72 mm | 27 mm | 5207 |
| 40 mm | 80 mm | 30.2 mm | 5208 |
| 45 mm | 85 mm | 30.2 mm | 5209 |
| 50 mm | 90 mm | 30.2 mm | 5210 |
| 55 mm | 100 mm | 33.3 mm | 5211 |
| 60 mm | 110 mm | 36.5 mm | 5212 |
| 65 mm | 120 mm | 38.1 mm | 5213 |
| 70 mm | 125 mm | 39.7 mm | 5214 |
| 75 mm | 130 mm | 41.3 mm | 5215 |
| 80 mm | 140 mm | 44.4 mm | 5216 |
| 85 mm | 150 mm | 49.2 mm | 5217 |
| 90 mm | 160 mm | 52.4 mm | 5218 |
| 95 mm | 170 mm | 55.6 mm | 5219 |
| 100 mm | 180 mm | 60.3 mm | 5220 |
(Always confirm dimensions and tolerances with the supplier’s official drawing before final design.)
Interchange & Cross-Reference Notes
5201 bearings may appear under slightly different part numbers such as 5201-2RS, 5201-ZZ, 5201-2RSR, or B5201. When replacing or cross-referencing, confirm the bore, outer diameter, width, and sealing type.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming all 5201 bearings are exactly 16 mm wide — some are 15.8 mm or 15.9 mm.
2. Choosing open type bearings for dusty or wet environments.
3. Applying excessive press fit that deforms bearing rings.
4. Mixing sealed and open types without adjusting for thermal expansion or friction differences.
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Buyer’s Quick Checklist
Confirm 12×32×15.9 mm dimensions
Choose seal type: open, ZZ, or 2RS
Check grease type and operating speed limits
Verify load ratings and tolerance class (ABEC-1, P6, etc.)
How BYWB Bearing Supports You
BYWB Bearing provides 5201 bearings manufactured with precision chrome steel and high-temperature grease, meeting international quality standards. We offer open, shielded, and sealed versions, each tested for low noise, smooth rotation, and extended service life.
For OEM or industrial customers, BYWB offers:
Customized packaging and labeling
Consistent quality control and batch traceability
Competitive lead times and pricing
Technical support for bearing selection and installation
Conclusion
The 5201 bearing is a reliable and compact double-row angular contact bearing that provides high load capacity, rigidity, and versatility across many industrial applications. By understanding its specifications, sealing solutions, and size relationships within the 5200 series, you can confidently select the correct model for your equipment.
When you choose BYWB Bearing, you’re choosing consistent quality, technical support, and long-term performance that ensures your machines run smoothly and efficiently.
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Perfect — here are 10 SEO-optimized FAQ questions and answers you can add at the end of your article for BYWB Bearing’s website. These FAQs include relevant keywords and natural phrasing to improve visibility and click-through rate on Google.
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5201 Bearing FAQ — BYWB Bearing
1. What is the difference between 5201 and 6201 bearings?
The 5201 is a double-row angular contact bearing, designed to handle both radial and axial loads in both directions, while the 6201 is a single-row deep groove bearing mainly for radial loads. The 5201 provides higher rigidity and load capacity but is slightly wider.
2. Can a 5201 bearing be re-greased?
If your 5201 bearing is open or shielded (ZZ) type, it can be re-greased during maintenance. However, sealed types (2RS) are pre-lubricated and typically non-serviceable — they should be replaced once grease is depleted or contamination occurs.
3. What does “5201-2RS” mean?
The suffix 2RS means the bearing has rubber seals on both sides for maximum protection against dust, water, and debris. “5201-2RS” is a fully sealed version that comes pre-greased and ready to install.
4. What are the load ratings of a 5201 bearing?
Load ratings vary slightly between manufacturers, but typically a 5201 bearing has a dynamic load rating around 13–14 kN and a static load rating around 7–8 kN, depending on the exact brand and material quality.
5. What speed can a 5201 bearing run at?
A 5201 bearing can operate at speeds up to 12,000–16,000 rpm for open types, 10,000–12,000 rpm for shielded types (ZZ), and 8,000–10,000 rpm for sealed types (2RS). Always refer to manufacturer data for precise limits.
6. What materials are used in 5201 bearings?
Most 5201 bearings are made of high-carbon chromium steel (AISI 52100), offering excellent hardness and wear resistance. Stainless steel versions are available for corrosion-prone environments, and ceramic hybrid options are used for high-speed or precision equipment.
7. Are 5201 bearings suitable for high-temperature applications?
Yes. Standard 5201 bearings can handle temperatures up to 120°C, while high-temperature grease and heat-treated steel variants can operate continuously up to 180–200°C. Always specify your operating conditions when ordering.
8. What’s the typical clearance for a 5201 bearing?
Most 5201 bearings come with C0 (normal) clearance. For applications involving higher operating temperatures or tighter fits, C3 clearance (slightly looser) is recommended to compensate for thermal expansion.
9. Can I replace two single-row bearings with one 5201 double-row bearing?
Yes, the 5201 is designed to replace paired single-row angular contact bearings mounted back-to-back, saving space and simplifying installation while maintaining the ability to carry combined loads.
10. How to identify a genuine BYWB 5201 bearing?
Genuine BYWB bearings have precise laser markings on the outer ring, smooth rotation, uniform noise level, and packaging with QR codes for batch traceability. You can verify authenticity directly with BYWB customer service for peace of mind.