7203 BEP bearing
17 × 40 mm · dynamic rating 10.4 kN · static rating 5.5 kN. Dimensions, load ratings, designation meaning, life estimates and equivalent parts.
7203 BEP specification
| Designation | 7203 BEP |
| Type | Single-row angular contact ball bearing |
| Series | 72 light |
| Bore diameter d | 17 mm |
| Outside diameter D | 40 mm |
| Basic dynamic load rating C | 10.4 kN (10,400 N) |
| Basic static load rating C0 | 5.5 kN (5,500 N) |
| Ratio C0/C | 0.53 |
| Speed guide, grease lubrication | 20,000 rpm |
| Life exponent p | 3 (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 7203 BEP means
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 72 | Angular contact ball bearing, light dimension series |
| 03 | bore code "03" = 17 mm (one of the four fixed small-bore codes, not the ×5 rule) |
| B | 40° contact angle |
| E | Optimized internal design |
| P | Glass-fibre-reinforced PA66 cage, ball-centred |
Basic rating life of the 7203 BEP
Basic rating life is L10 = (C / P)p million revolutions, where P is the equivalent dynamic load and p = 3 (ball bearing). For a 7203 BEP with C = 10.4 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 / P | P as share of C | L10 (million rev) | L10 at 1,500 rpm | L10 at 3,000 rpm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 33.3% | 27 | 300 | 150 |
| 5 | 20.0% | 125 | 1,400 | 690 |
| 8 | 12.5% | 512 | 5,700 | 2,800 |
| 12 | 8.3% | 1,728 | 19,200 | 9,600 |
For example, a C / P of 5 means the equivalent load is 2.08 kN on this bearing. Use the Load Calculator to work out P for your actual radial and axial loads.
Equivalents of the 7203 BEP from other brands
These parts share the main boundary dimensions of the 7203 BEP and are commonly used as its equivalent. Published load ratings differ a little between makers because internal designs differ.
| Brand | Part | C (kN) | C0 (kN) | Dynamic rating vs SKF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKF | 7203 BEP | 10.4 | 5.5 | Reference |
| Timken | 7203 B | 9.93 | 5.54 | 95% of SKF |
Check clearance class, cage, seals and any special suffix before ordering. A matching main size does not guarantee the parts are interchangeable in every detail.
Where the 7203 BEP is used
Angular-contact ball bearings are chosen for: Combined radial and axial load; precision/high-speed arrangements. Typical equipment: Pumps, compressors, spindles, generators, aerospace accessories. Often paired/preloaded; contact angle and lubrication matter.
Other sizes in the same series
The 7203 BEP is size 4 of 31 in the Rotec AI catalogue for the “72 light” series. The next size down, the 7202 BEP, has a bore of 15 mm and a dynamic rating of 8.32 kN. The next size up, the 7204 BEP, has a bore of 20 mm and a rating of 14.3 kN (+38%).
Common problems on bearings like the 7203 BEP
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:
Questions about the 7203 BEP
What are the dimensions of a 7203 BEP bearing?
The 7203 BEP has a bore of 17 mm and an outside diameter of 40 mm. It is a single-row angular contact ball bearing. Series: 72 light.
What is the load rating of a 7203 BEP bearing?
In the Rotec AI catalogue the 7203 BEP has a basic dynamic load rating C of 10.4 kN and a basic static load rating C0 of 5.5 kN. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current catalogue.
What is the equivalent of a 7203 BEP bearing?
Equivalent parts include Timken 7203 B. Check clearance, cage and seal suffixes before substituting.