The fastest way to size a bearing preload washer is by the bearing number - and that is exactly how this chart works. Find your bearing (6000 - 6309 series), read off the wave washer that fits its housing bore.
Why Preload a Bearing
Deep-groove ball bearings run best under a light axial load. Without it, tolerance stack-up leaves the shaft free to float, causing end-play rattle, ball skidding, and noise - the classic hum-and-click of a cheap electric motor. A wave washer compressed between the outer ring of the floating bearing and the housing shoulder applies that preload continuously, following thermal growth as the machine warms up.
How to Read the Chart
- Housing bore - equals the bearing outside diameter.
- Bearing numbers - common 6000/6200/6300-series bearings sharing that OD.
- Washer O.D. / I.D. / thickness - the wave washer that fits that bore with working clearance.
Bearing Lookup Chart
All dimensions in mm. Search by housing bore or bearing number.
| Housing bore (= bearing O.D.) | Bearing No. | Washer O.D. | Washer I.D. | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 6000 | 25.5 | 21 | 0.3 |
| 32 | 6002 / 6201 | 31.5 | 25.5 | 0.3 |
| 35 | 6300 / 6003 / 6202 | 34 | 28 | 0.4 |
| 37 | 6301 | 35.1 | 30.1 | 0.4 |
| 40 | 6203 | 39.5 | 34 | 0.4 |
| 42 | 6302 / 6004 | 41 | 34 | 0.4 |
| 47 | 6303 / 6005 / 6204 | 46.5 | 39.5 | 0.4 |
| 52 | 6304 / 6205 | 51 | 41 | 0.5 |
| 55 | 6006 | 53.4 | 44.4 | 0.5 |
| 62 | 6305 / 6007 / 6206 | 61 | 51 | 0.5 |
| 72 | 6306 / 6207 | 71 | 61 | 0.5 |
| 80 | 6307 / 6010 / 6208 | 79 | 71 | 0.6 |
| 85 | 6209 | 84.1 | 73.7 | 0.6 |
| 90 | 6308 / 6011 / 6210 | 89 | 79 | 0.6 |
| 100 | 6309 / 6013 / 6211 | 99 | 89 | 0.6 |
Dimensions per our stocked range. For bearings outside this list, contact us with the bearing number.
Fitting Notes
- Fit against the outer ring of the non-locating bearing - never against the rotating inner ring or cage.
- The washer needs room to work: leave axial space of roughly its free wave height, compressed to its working height by the end cover.
- One washer per shaft is the norm - preloading both bearings against each other over-constrains the shaft.
Ordering - What to Specify
- Bearing number (easiest) - e.g. wave washer for 6205
- or housing bore + washer OD/ID/thickness from the chart
- Quantity (priced per 100 pieces)
Need Bearing Preload Washers?
Wave washers matched to 6000 - 6309 series bearings, stocked ex-Mumbai with same-week dispatch and pan-India delivery.
View Washer RangeFrequently Asked Questions
What wave washer fits a 6205 bearing?
A 6205 bearing has a 52 mm outside diameter, so it takes the wave washer for a 52 mm housing bore: washer OD 51 mm, ID 41 mm, thickness 0.5 mm. The washer sits between the bearing outer ring and the housing shoulder or cover, applying a light axial preload.
Why fit a wave washer against a bearing at all?
Deep-groove ball bearings need a small axial load to run quietly and avoid ball skidding. A wave washer behind the non-locating bearing takes up the axial play from tolerance stack-up and thermal expansion, eliminating end-float rattle in motors, pumps, and gearboxes without the cost of precision spacers.
Which side of the bearing does the wave washer go?
Against the outer ring of the non-locating (floating) bearing, compressed between the ring face and the housing shoulder or end cover. It must never bear on the rotating inner ring or the cage - that causes wear and drag.
Can I stack wave washers for more preload?
Stacking is not the right tool for higher preload - stacked wave washers can nest and behave unpredictably. If you need substantially more force in the same space, use a single washer of heavier section or step up to a Belleville (disc) washer - see our disc spring chart.