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Ball Bearing RBL 6203-08-2RS — 1/2"
$5.99
Ball Bearing RBL 6203-08-2RS — 1/2"
Description
RBL sealed ball bearing for pool and spa pump motors. 6203 bearing version with 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) imperial bore—the same outside diameter and width as the standard 6203, but designed for North American-made motor shafts.
Caution: 1/2 inch or 17 mm?
This is the most common ordering mistake for this part. The 6203 is available with two bores:
| Part Number | Bore (shaft) | Outside Diameter | Width |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6203-08-2RS (this one) | 1/2" — 12.7 mm | 40 mm (1.575") | 12 mm (0.472") |
| Standard 6203-2RS | 17 mm (0.669") | 40 mm (1.575") | 12 mm (0.472") |
Side by side, they look almost identical on the outside—only the center hole differs by 4.3 mm. Measure your motor shaft or read the part number stamped on the bearing you are removing before ordering. A 17 mm bearing will not fit on a 1/2-inch shaft, and a 1/2-inch bearing on a 17 mm shaft will be destroyed within hours.
The -08 suffix means 8/16 of an inch, or 1/2 inch. It follows the same logic as the -10 (10/16 in = 5/8 in) found on other pump motor bearings.
Technical Specifications
- Type: deep-groove, single-row ball bearing
- Bore: 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) — Outside Diameter: 40 mm (1.575 in) — Width: 12 mm (0.472 in)
- Sealing: double rubber seal (2RS), both sides
- Dynamic load: approx. 9.55 kN (≈ 2,150 lb)
- Static load: approx. 4.8 kN (≈ 1,080 lb)
- Maximum speed: approx. 12,000 rpm
- Materials: chrome steel, stamped steel cage
- Lubrication: factory-greased for life—no maintenance or lubrication required
Why the double rubber seal
A pool equipment room or spa cabinet is constantly exposed to moisture, suspended chlorine, and water splashes. 2RS seals keep the grease inside and prevent water and dust from entering. This is the only configuration to use in a pump motor—an open bearing or one with metal shields will not last more than one season.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Bearings
Continuous motor growling or whining, squeaking on startup, vibrations in the pump housing, an abnormally hot motor, or a shaft that is difficult to turn by hand once the motor is disconnected. A worn bearing that is not replaced will eventually score the shaft and burn out the stator—a $30 repair becomes a complete motor replacement.
Installation Tip
Replace the two motor bearings at the same time: they have accumulated the same number of operating hours, and replacing only the noisy one will bring you back here in a few months. Note that the front bearing and the rear bearing are often different sizes—check both. While the motor is disassembled, also replace the mechanical seal.
Compatibility
Suitable for pool and spa pump motors with a 1/2-inch shaft at the bearing location, including several North American-made motors (A.O. Smith / Century / Regal Beloit, Emerson / US Motors) mounted on above-ground pool pumps and spa units. Equivalents: 6203-2RS-8, 6203-1/2-2RS, 6203-08DDU, RBL-6203-08-2RS. Always confirm by measuring the shaft or checking the part number stamped on your existing bearing.
