Introduction: A 38x85x18 mm deep groove ball bearing is identified by six selection details: 38 mm bore, 85 mm outer diameter, 18 mm width, single row deep groove structure, C3 clearance, and 2RS sealing. These details determine whether the bearing fits the shaft and housing and how it runs under gearbox heat.
When a 62/38-2RS/C3 transmission bearing needs replacement, the fit check starts with those six details. Matching only the bore leaves the housing fit, running clearance, and grease retention unresolved. The 38 mm bore controls shaft fit, the 85 mm outer diameter controls housing location, and the 18 mm width controls axial space. The single row deep groove structure sets the load path, C3 clearance affects running clearance as the gearbox warms, and 2RS seals protect the grease and help keep contamination out. A replacement that misses any of these points can create fit or service problems.
The code 62/38 combines a series code and a bore size. The 62 identifies the deep groove ball bearing series; the 38 after the slash is the bore diameter in millimeters, not a separate model number. A 62/38 bearing therefore has a 38 mm bore. The full size callout is 38 x 85 x 18 mm: 38 mm bore, 85 mm outer diameter, and 18 mm width. The available product facts also list a single row deep groove ball bearing with a round bore and a unit weight of 0.40 kg. That combination makes it a size-specific transmission bearing rather than a generic 38 mm bearing. The suffix 2RS/C3 describes sealing and clearance. 2RS means rubber seals on both sides. C3 means internal radial clearance is larger than the standard CN group. On a transmission bearing, these suffixes matter as much as the dimensions. Wrong clearance can make the bearing run tight as the gearbox warms; poor sealing can allow grease loss or contamination. Read the complete designation 62/38-2RS/C3 before ordering. The dimensions define where the bearing fits, while the suffixes define how it runs inside that space. For a purchasing engineer, the complete designation should be treated as one specification line: 38 mm bore, 85 mm outer diameter, 18 mm width, single row deep groove, C3 clearance, and 2RS seals. If an old part number is missing, the size callout and suffix remain the practical starting point for cross-reference. A nearby size that shares only the 38 mm bore will not answer the outer diameter, width, clearance, or sealing requirements.
Single row deep groove geometry is the standard layout for this size. The inner ring, outer ring, cage, and one row of balls form a compact bearing that carries radial loads and moderate axial loads in both directions. In a gearbox, it supports shaft rotation and handles thrust that appears during gear engagement. The deep groove keeps ball contact stable under load, which is why this structure is common in transmission and gearbox positions. The single row layout also keeps the 18 mm width compact, which matters where axial space is fixed by the housing and shaft shoulder. When a replacement is selected, the structure must match because a different row count or bearing type changes the load path, mounting method, and internal clearance behavior. A bearing with the same bore but a different outer diameter or width may not seat correctly. A bearing with a different clearance group may not run correctly once the assembly reaches operating temperature. The practical replacement decision therefore combines dimensions, structure, clearance, and sealing rather than treating them as separate checks.
When a gearbox runs, the housing and shaft warm at different rates. A press fit on the shaft can close internal clearance, and heat adds further change. C3 clearance gives the bearing extra internal room from the start, helping keep the balls from being pinched as temperatures rise. In a warm gearbox housing, C3 is a practical choice for maintaining running clearance as temperatures rise. For a replacement, matching C3 is part of matching the original working condition, especially when the bearing sits near hot gear oil or a loaded shaft. In a transmission, clearance also influences how the bearing shares load with other bearings and how smoothly the shaft rotates after assembly. A tight bearing can show up as heat and drag; an excessively open bearing can affect shaft positioning. The practical decision is to keep the clearance class specified for the application and confirm it with the manufacturer when the operating temperature is high or the fit is uncertain. That is why C3 appears in the full 62/38-2RS/C3 designation and should remain visible on the order line.
2RS rubber seals contact the inner ring and close the gap on both sides of the bearing. They help retain grease and keep dust, moisture, and metal particles out. In a transmission, that protection matters because the bearing sits near gears, other bearings, and lubricant flow. A sealed bearing also simplifies replacement by protecting the lubricant during storage and installation. The rubber lip needs a clean, undamaged counterface to work well. During installation, pressing through the seal or striking the outer ring can damage the lip, so mounting force should go through the correctly fitted ring. Seal retention and mounting care affect service performance, which is why the 2RS suffix should stay on the order line.
A ball bearing manufacturer that handles this size helps confirm that 38 mm bore, 85 mm outer diameter, 18 mm thickness, single row round bore, C3 clearance, and 2RS seals all line up with the application. For a transmission bearing, the manufacturer can compare the replacement request against the 62/38-2RS/C3 bearing’s dimensions, structure, sealing, and clearance. This support is useful when the original part number is missing or the gearbox uses a less common bore size. A manufacturer with direct product knowledge can explain how a suffix changes fit and running behavior. It can also help distinguish a true 38x85x18 mm deep groove bearing from a nearby size that shares only the bore. Smart Bearing supplies the 62/38-2RS/C3 transmission bearing as a single row deep groove ball bearing with a 38 mm bore, 85 mm outer diameter, 18 mm width, and 0.40 kg unit weight. 860 sets are indicated as available; confirm current stock by RFQ. HS Code 8482102000 applies to the customs classification for export documents. For repair or wholesale quantities, send the required quantity and destination so the manufacturer can confirm current stock and provide a quote. Include the full 62/38-2RS/C3 code, the required quantity, the destination, and any old part number or measured dimensions. If precision grade, steel grade, grease type, load rating, or fatigue life is required for approval, request those details in the RFQ.
The 62/38-2RS/C3 bearing is a size-specific part. The 38 x 85 x 18 mm dimensions, single row deep groove structure, C3 clearance, and 2RS seals work together. When matching a replacement, start with the bore, outer diameter, width, and structure. Then confirm clearance and sealing. Confirming those details before ordering helps ensure the replacement matches the application. Send your RFQ with the full 62/38-2RS/C3 code and the quantity you need to verify stock and receive a quote.
A：They define the physical size: 38 mm bore, 85 mm outer diameter, and 18 mm width. For a deep groove ball bearing, those three dimensions control shaft fit, housing fit, and the space the bearing takes inside the assembly. A 62/38-2RS/C3 bearing uses that exact size combination, so match it as a complete set, not by bore alone.
A：A single row C3 bearing is identified by its single row structure and C3 clearance in the designation or specification. The 62/38-2RS/C3 bearing is single row with a round bore, C3 clearance, and 2RS seals. If only a bore size is available, ask for the complete designation before ordering.
A：The bore is 38 mm, so shaft fit is based on that diameter. The 62/38-2RS/C3 bearing also has an 85 mm outer diameter and 18 mm width. Those outer dimensions and the C3 clearance determine housing fit and running clearance. Use the full 38 x 85 x 18 mm callout when checking fit, because a 38 mm bore alone leaves outer size and clearance unresolved.
NIST SP 960-17: Rolling Element Bearings Technology and Applications
Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS)
Smart Bearing product source: 62/38-2RS/C3 Transmission Bearing
