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Read Article βAchieve ultra-smooth rotational motion in space-constrained projects with the 698Z bearing. Features a robust 8mm bore, a slim 19mm outer diameter, and metal shielding to keep out dust while retaining internal factory grease.
The Slim 8mm Solution In mechanical design, the 8mm shaft is a gold standard for rigidity, commonly used in 3D printer lead screws, heavy-duty RC axles, and robotic joints. However, the most common 8mm bearing (the 608 "skateboard" bearing) has a massive 22mm outer diameter and 7mm thickness. The 698Z solves this clearance issue. It provides the exact same 8mm inner bore, but shrinks the outer diameter down to 19mm and the width to 6mm. This allows you to build much tighter, more compact assemblies without sacrificing the structural integrity of a thick 8mm steel shaft.
Metal Shield Protection (Z) Workshops and outdoor RC tracks are filled with abrasive dust. The "Z" in the 698Z designation indicates that the bearing is equipped with a non-contact metal shield over the ball race. This shield provides an excellent physical barrier against large dirt particles and metal shavings while permanently locking in the factory-applied grease. Because it is a non-contact shield (unlike rubbing rubber seals), it adds absolutely zero drag, allowing the bearing to spin freely at extremely high RPMs.
Deep Groove Radial Load Capacity As a deep groove ball bearing, the 698Z is engineered to handle substantial "radial" loads (forces pushing down perpendicular to the shaft). The hardened steel balls rolling inside the polished deep inner and outer raceways ensure low-vibration, maintenance-free rotation for continuous-duty applications like guiding drive belts or spinning high-speed cooling fans.
Model Designation: 698Z
Bearing Type: Deep Groove Radial Ball Bearing
Inner Diameter (Bore): 8mm
Outer Diameter: 19mm
Width (Thickness): 6mm
Shield Type: Z (Metal Shielded)
Material: Bearing Steel
Lubrication: Pre-lubricated (Grease)
Compact Robotic Joints: Providing the smooth pivot points for high-torque robotic arms where an 8mm shoulder bolt is required, but a standard 22mm housing would be too bulky.
RC Helicopters & Cars: Acting as lightweight, high-RPM main shaft bearings or gearbox supports in hobby-grade remote control vehicles.
3D Printer Leadscrew Constraints: Press-fitting into a slim top-bracket to securely constrain the wobble of an 8mm Z-axis trapezoidal leadscrew.
Power Tool Repair: Serving as replacement armature bearings for small electric drills, grinders, and rotary tools.
Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)
The High-Torque Miniature Winch: Evolve your heavy-lifting projects! If you need to build a motorized winch for an RC crawler, you need a strong 8mm spool shaft, but you don't have the space for massive bearings. By utilizing two 698Z bearings pressed into a custom, slim 3D-printed chassis, you can support a heavy 8mm steel spool perfectly. This allows an attached high-torque DC gear motor to pull massive payloads without the spool bending or the bearings causing friction, all within an incredibly tiny footprint!
Package Includes:


What does "698Z" mean? "6" signifies a deep groove ball bearing. "9" denotes the dimensional series (very thin section). "8" indicates an 8mm bore size. "Z" means it has a metal shield.
What is the inner diameter (bore) size? The inner hole is exactly 8mm in diameter, perfect for 8mm smooth rods or M8 bolts.
What is the outer diameter? The outer ring is 19mm in diameter.
How thick is this bearing? The standard width/thickness for the 698 series is 6mm.
How is this different from a 608 bearing? A 608 bearing (like those in skateboards) has the same 8mm bore, but is much bulkier with a 22mm outer diameter and 7mm width. The 698Z is a space-saving alternative.
Do I need to grease or oil these? No, the metal shields signify that the bearing is packed with grease at the factory and permanently sealed for a maintenance-free lifespan.
What is the difference between Z and ZZ? "Z" technically indicates a single metal shield on one side, while "ZZ" indicates shields on both sides. Many generic manufacturers use them interchangeably. If your bearing has shields on both sides, it acts as a ZZ.
Are these bearings waterproof? No. While the metal shields keep out dust and debris, water can easily seep past the tiny gaps and rust the internal steel balls.
Can I use this for axial (thrust) loads? Deep groove ball bearings are designed primarily for radial loads (forces perpendicular to the shaft). They can handle very light axial loads, but heavy pushing parallel to the shaft will cause premature wear.
Can I remove the metal shields? Yes, you can carefully pry them out with a needle if you need an open bearing to flush it with a different, thinner lubricant, but you cannot easily reinstall them once bent.
How do I properly press-fit this bearing into a housing? When pressing the bearing into a 19mm hole (like a 3D printed part), only apply pressure to the outer metal ring. Pushing on the inner ring will crush the balls against the raceway.
How do I press it onto an 8mm shaft? When sliding it over a tight 8mm shaft, only apply pressure to the inner ring.
Why does my bearing feel "gritty" when I spin it? Grittiness usually means dirt has bypassed the shields, or the bearing was damaged during a poorly executed press-fit installation. It should be replaced.
Is this bearing magnetic? Yes, standard high-carbon bearing steel is magnetic.
What RPM can this handle? Due to its small diameter and non-contact metal shields, the 698Z can comfortably handle speeds exceeding 35,000 RPM under appropriate light loads.
How much weight can a single 698Z bearing support? The static load rating is roughly 1,100 Newtons (approx. 112 kg / 247 lbs), but for dynamic (moving) longevity, it is best to keep continuous loads much lower.
Can I clean these bearings in an ultrasonic cleaner? Doing so will strip out the factory-applied internal grease. Because you cannot easily remove the shields to repack thick grease, ultrasonic cleaning is not recommended unless you specifically want to run them "dry" (which drastically reduces lifespan).
What is the maximum operating temperature? Standard bearing steel and grease can typically withstand continuous temperatures up to roughly 120°C (248°F).
Do these bearings have a "break-in" period? Yes. Brand-new bearings packed with fresh grease can sometimes feel slightly stiff. Running them under a light mechanical load for a short period distributes the grease evenly for maximum smoothness.
Can I use this to stabilize the top of my 3D printer's Z-axis? Yes! It is an excellent choice for a top-mount Z-axis stabilizer because it fits an 8mm lead screw perfectly but requires a much smaller 3D-printed housing than a standard 608 bearing would.
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Probots sells every Electronics Part for your next Project. You can order 10,000+ Electronic Parts Online - Arduino, Raspberry Pi, NodeMCU Development Boards, Sensors, Motors, Motor Drivers, SMPS, Plastic Enclosures etc in India directly on probots.co.in
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