What Do Bearing Suffixes Z, ZZ, RS, and 2RS Mean?
When searching for rolling bearings, you may notice that the same bearing model is often followed by suffixes such as Z, ZZ, RS, or 2RS. For example, a common deep groove ball bearing may be listed as 6205, 6205Z, 6205ZZ, 6205RS, or 62052RS. Many engineers, maintenance technicians, and purchasing professionals wonder whether these suffixes affect bearing dimensions, performance, or service life. The answer is yes. While the basic bearing dimensions remain the same, these suffixes indicate different sealing and shielding configurations, which significantly influence lubrication retention, contamination protection, speed capability, and operating conditions. Understanding these bearing suffixes can help you select the right bearing for your application and avoid premature failures caused by improper sealing choices. What Is a Bearing Suffix? A bearing suffix is a code added after the bearing designation to identify special design features, such as: • Shield type • Seal type • Internal cl...