SKF 15618 is a deep groove ball bearing, and its direct replacement number depends on whether you need an exact SKF equivalent or are open to other manufacturers
The SKF 15618 is a metric deep groove ball bearing with a 15 mm bore, 35 mm outer diameter, and 11 mm width. If you need a replacement, SKF's own catalog lists it under the same designation — there is no separate "replacement number" within SKF's product line. However, if SKF 15618 stock is unavailable or you want to compare options, other bearing manufacturers produce equivalent parts under their own numbering systems.
The bearing itself has not been discontinued, but availability varies by distributor and region. Before searching for a substitute, check whether your process requires an exact SKF part for warranty, specification, or performance reasons, or whether a functionally equivalent bearing from another maker will work.
Key Takeaways
- SKF 15618 is a standard metric deep groove ball bearing with no separate replacement number within SKF's catalog — the part number stays the same.
- Equivalent bearings from other manufacturers use different part numbers but have the same dimensions and load ratings, and are often less expensive.
- Common equivalent manufacturers include FAG (now part of Schaeffler), NSK, NTN, and JTEKT, each with their own numbering system.
- Verify bore, outer diameter, and width before ordering a substitute, because bearing dimensions are not interchangeable across different sizes.
- Distributors like Bearing King, Motion Industries, and Anixter can cross-reference the SKF number to equivalents from other brands in seconds.
How SKF Part Numbers Work and Why There Is No "Replacement" Number
SKF does not issue separate replacement numbers for its bearings. The SKF 15618 designation is permanent — if you order SKF 15618 today or ten years from now, you are ordering the same bearing specification. SKF's numbering system is based on bearing type and dimensions, not on product generations or model years.
The "15" prefix indicates a deep groove ball bearing in SKF's metric system. The "618" portion encodes the bore diameter (15 mm), outer diameter (35 mm), and width (11 mm). If SKF retired this bearing, they would discontinue the number entirely rather than replace it with a new one. Since SKF 15618 remains in production, no replacement number exists within SKF's own line.
If you cannot find SKF 15618 in stock, your options are to wait for a restock, order from a different distributor, or switch to an equivalent bearing from another manufacturer.
Cross-Reference Numbers from Other Bearing Manufacturers
Many industrial bearings are made to ISO 15:1 standards, which means manufacturers produce physically identical parts under different part numbers. The SKF 15618 has direct equivalents from FAG, NSK, NTN, and JTEKT, among others. These bearings have the same bore (15 mm), outer diameter (35 mm), and width (11 mm), and carry the same load ratings.
| Manufacturer | Equivalent Part Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SKF | 15618 | Original specification |
| FAG (Schaeffler) | 6002 | Metric deep groove ball bearing, same dimensions |
| NSK | 6002 | Metric deep groove ball bearing, same dimensions |
| NTN | 6002 | Metric deep groove ball bearing, same dimensions |
| JTEKT | 6002 | Metric deep groove ball bearing, same dimensions |
Note that many manufacturers use the same "6002" designation for this bearing size because it is a standard ISO metric bearing. The part number alone does not tell you which manufacturer made it, so always confirm the manufacturer name on the box or invoice.
Where to Look Up Cross-References Quickly
Industrial bearing distributors maintain cross-reference databases that map SKF numbers to equivalents from other makers. Motion Industries, Bearing King, and Anixter all offer free cross-reference tools on their websites — you enter SKF 15618 and the system returns equivalent part numbers from FAG, NSK, NTN, and others, along with current stock status and pricing.
If you work with a local industrial supplier, they can run a cross-reference in their system in minutes and often have multiple brands in stock. This is faster than ordering online if you need the bearing the same day.
Some distributors also offer bearing interchange charts as downloadable PDFs, though these are less current than their online tools. If you plan to stock multiple bearings or manage a fleet, asking your distributor for a printed interchange guide for your most common bearing sizes can save time on future lookups.
When to Use SKF 15618 Versus an Equivalent
Use the original SKF 15618 if your equipment manufacturer specifies SKF in the documentation, if your warranty requires OEM parts, or if your process is mission-critical and you want to avoid any risk of performance variation. SKF bearings are known for tight tolerances and consistent quality, and in some industrial settings that consistency is worth the higher cost.
Switch to an equivalent from another manufacturer if cost is a priority, if your equipment manual does not specify a brand, or if you have used other brands in the same process without problems. Equivalent bearings from NSK, NTN, and FAG meet the same ISO standards and perform identically in most applications. The main difference is price — equivalents are often 20 to 40 percent less expensive than SKF.
If you are unsure whether your process allows substitution, check the equipment manual or contact the manufacturer's technical support line. Some machinery has bearing specifications for a reason, and swapping brands without permission can void a warranty.
Checking Dimensions Before You Order
Before ordering any replacement bearing, verify three measurements on the old bearing or in your equipment documentation: bore diameter, outer diameter, and width. For SKF 15618, these are 15 mm, 35 mm, and 11 mm respectively. If you order a bearing with different dimensions, it will not fit.
The bearing itself usually has these numbers stamped or printed on the outer race. If the bearing is damaged or the markings are worn, check the equipment manual or the bearing pocket in the housing — sometimes the dimensions are printed there. If you cannot find the dimensions, take a photo of the old bearing and send it to a bearing distributor; they can identify it by sight.
Do not assume that a bearing with a similar part number has the same dimensions. For example, SKF 6002 (a different bearing) has a 15 mm bore and 32 mm outer diameter — close to SKF 15618 but not identical, and it will not fit in a housing designed for 15618.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SKF 15618 still made, or has it been discontinued?
SKF 15618 remains in active production. It is a standard metric deep groove ball bearing and one of SKF's core products. If a distributor shows it as out of stock, it is a temporary inventory issue, not a discontinuation. Checking with multiple distributors or waiting a few days usually resolves availability.
Can I use NSK 6002 or FAG 6002 instead of SKF 15618?
Yes, if your equipment manual does not require SKF specifically. NSK 6002, FAG 6002, NTN 6002, and SKF 15618 are dimensionally and functionally identical — all have a 15 mm bore, 35 mm outer diameter, and 11 mm width. They meet the same ISO standards and carry the same load ratings. The main difference is price and the manufacturer's quality reputation.
What if I need SKF 15618 but it is out of stock everywhere?
Contact SKF's customer service or a major distributor like Motion Industries to check the expected restock date. If the wait is too long, order an equivalent from NSK, NTN, or FAG instead. If your process requires SKF specifically for warranty reasons, ask the equipment manufacturer whether they will accept an equivalent bearing with documentation of the substitution.
How do I know if a bearing is a genuine SKF 15618 or a counterfeit?
Buy from authorized SKF distributors or major industrial suppliers like Motion Industries or Anixter. Genuine SKF bearings have clear, consistent markings on the outer race, come in SKF packaging, and include a certificate of origin. If you are buying from an unknown seller online, ask for proof of authenticity or buy from a distributor you recognize instead.
Does bearing brand affect how long it lasts in my equipment?
In most applications, no. Equivalent bearings from NSK, NTN, and FAG are engineered to the same ISO standards and have comparable fatigue life. The difference in lifespan, if any, is usually small and depends more on installation, lubrication, and operating conditions than on the brand. SKF's reputation is built on consistency and tight tolerances, which matters in precision machinery but not in every process.