51201 Bearing — Brand Comparison
Verified equivalents across SKF, FAG, NSK, NTN, and Timken for the 51201 open thrust ball bearing (12×30×15mm).
Verification
Why the Part Numbers Look Different
Each manufacturer uses a different suffix system for the same physical bearing. Here's how the 51201 suffixes map across brands:
| Feature | SKF | FAG | NSK | NTN | Timken |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open (all variants) | 51201 | 51201 | 51201 | 51201 | 51201 |
Common Applications
- Machine tool spindles (bidirectional)
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Vertical shaft assemblies
- Precision positioning equipment
- Screw drives
- Heavy machinery pivots
- Industrial gearboxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a 51201 with a different brand?
Yes. For standard thrust ball bearings in the 51200 series, all five major brands (SKF, FAG, NSK, NTN, Timken) produce dimensionally identical bearings. Match the bore diameter, outer diameter, width, seal type, and internal clearance to confirm compatibility.
What's the cheapest equivalent of the 51201?
Prices vary by brand and supplier. Check the comparison table above for current Partmatch prices across all five brands.
How do I know which suffix means “sealed” for each brand?
SKF uses “2RS1”, FAG uses “2RSR”, NSK uses “DDU”, NTN uses “LLU”, and Timken uses “2RS”. See the suffix decoder table above for all variants.