Single-direction thrust ball bearing

51208 bearing

40 × 68 mm · dynamic rating 44.2 kN · static rating 96.5 kN. Dimensions, load ratings, designation meaning, life estimates and equivalent parts.

51208 specification

Designation51208
TypeSingle-direction thrust ball bearing
Series512 light-medium
Bore diameter d40 mm
Outside diameter D68 mm
Basic dynamic load rating C44.2 kN (44,200 N)
Basic static load rating C096.5 kN (96,500 N)
Ratio C0/C2.18
Speed guide, grease lubrication5,300 rpm
Life exponent p3 (ball bearing)

Values come from the Rotec AI bearing catalogue and are indicative. Confirm against the manufacturer's current catalogue before ordering. Not every dimension (such as width) is listed here.

What the designation 51208 means

CodeMeaning
512Single-direction thrust ball bearing, light-medium series (flat seat washers)
08bore code "08" = 8 × 5 = 40 mm

Basic rating life of the 51208

Basic rating life is L10 = (C / P)p million revolutions, where P is the equivalent dynamic load and p = 3 (ball bearing). For a 51208 with C = 44.2 kN, the table shows what that gives at different load levels. It is the ISO 281 basic life only: it does not include lubrication, contamination, misalignment or reliability modifiers.

C / PP as share of CL10 (million rev)L10 at 1,500 rpmL10 at 3,000 rpm
333.3%27300150
520.0%1251,400690
812.5%5125,7002,800
128.3%1,72819,2009,600

For example, a C / P of 5 means the equivalent load is 8.84 kN on this bearing. Use the Load Calculator to work out P for your actual radial and axial loads.

Equivalents of the 51208

Brand-by-brand equivalents for this exact designation are not shown here. The Cross-Reference tool accepts SKF, FAG, NSK, NTN, Timken, Koyo and NRB designations, and shows what is catalogued.

Where the 51208 is used

Thrust ball / thrust roller bearings are chosen for: Predominantly axial load. Typical equipment: Vertical pumps, extruders, turbines, marine and heavy gear drives. Thrust roller for higher axial capacity and shock.

Other sizes in the same series

The 51208 belongs to the “512 light-medium” series. The next size down, the 51207, has a bore of 35 mm and a dynamic rating of 35.1 kN. The next size up, the 51209, has a bore of 45 mm and a rating of 39 kN (-12%).

51202 · 15 × 3251203 · 17 × 3551204 · 20 × 4051205 · 25 × 4751206 · 30 × 5251207 · 35 × 6251208 · 40 × 6851209 · 45 × 7351210 · 50 × 7851211 · 55 × 9051212 · 60 × 9551213 · 65 × 10051214 · 70 × 10551215 · 75 × 11051216 · 80 × 11551217 · 85 × 12551218 · 90 × 13551220 · 100 × 15051222 · 110 × 16051224 · 120 × 17051226 · 130 × 19051228 · 140 × 20051230 M · 150 × 21551232 M · 160 × 22551234 M · 170 × 24051236 M · 180 × 25051238 M · 190 × 27051240 M · 200 × 280
Check your 51208 against your real loads and speed.

Common problems on bearings like the 51208

Most field failures trace back to lubrication, contamination, fits and alignment rather than the bearing itself. These guides explain how to recognise and prevent them:

Subsurface-initiated fatigueLubrication failureRing creepFretting corrosionAll 23 failure modes

Questions about the 51208

What are the dimensions of a 51208 bearing?

The 51208 has a bore of 40 mm and an outside diameter of 68 mm. It is a single-direction thrust ball bearing. Series: 512 light-medium.

What is the load rating of a 51208 bearing?

In the Rotec AI catalogue the 51208 has a basic dynamic load rating C of 44.2 kN and a basic static load rating C0 of 96.5 kN. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current catalogue.

What is the equivalent of a 51208 bearing?

Use the Cross-Reference tool in Rotec AI to check brand equivalents for the 51208.