Thrust Bearings

Thrust bearing is a kind of rolling bearing specially used to bear axial load (i.e. the force along the axis line direction), which can effectively reduce axial friction and improve the stability of mechanical transmission. Its core function is to limit the axial displacement of the shaft and support the axial force of the rotating parts. However, compared with radial bearings, thrust bearings have a single load carrying direction and are not suitable for working conditions with large radial loads. According to the different rolling bodies, thrust bearings can be divided into two categories: thrust ball bearings and thrust roller bearings.

LNB Bearings offers a full range of high-quality, competitively priced thrust bearings and can be able to provide custom options to meet specific customer demands.

Thrust Ball Bearings

Thrust Roller Bearings

1. What is thrust bearing

Thrust bearings are special bearings used to withstand axial forces, also known as thrust bearings. Thrust bearings are generally separated bearings, assembled by the shaft ring, seat ring, cage and rolling elements (balls or rollers). Shaft ring is a collar with the shaft, seat ring is a collar with the bearing hole, and there is a gap between the shaft; and bear radial load of the ordinary rolling bearing is different, thrust bearings are mainly used to limit the axial displacement, and to ensure the stability of mechanical equipment.
Thrust bearings have the advantages of strong axial load carrying capacity, low friction, stable operation, but its bearing direction is relatively single, is not applicable to bear large radial load conditions.

2. Types of Thrust Bearings

(1)Thrust Ball Bearings
Thrust ball bearings’ structure has inner rings, outer rings, and rolling elements. They are specially designed to bear axial loads with the advantages of low friction and smooth operation. Thrust ball bearings are usually used in high-load, low-speed applications such as automobile wheels, aircraft engines, and some industrial equipment, etc. Thrust ball bearings can be divided into single-row and double-row types.
Attention: Thrust Ball Bearings are not suitable for bearing large radial loads.

(2)Thrust Roller Bearings
Thrust roller bearings’ structure consists of inner ring, outer ring, and rolling elements (rollers). They are specially designed to withstand unidirectional thrust loads. In the thrust roller bearings, the rollers are arranged along the thrust direction to share the axial load effectively.

The Thrust roller bearings have the advantages of high rigidity and load capacity, etc. They are suitable for equipment that requires high thrust and high loads, such as heavy machinery, ship engines, industrial equipment, etc.

3. Thrust Bearings Characteristics

(1)High axial bearing: Different from ordinary rolling bearings, thrust bearings are mainly used to support axial force and limit axial displacement to ensure the stable operation of rotating parts.

(2)Low friction loss: As the rolling elements move on the raceways, thrust bearings can effectively reduce axial friction.

(3)Split design: Thrust bearings usually consists of shaft ring, seat ring, rolling element and cage, and need to be closely matched with the shaft or housing during installation.

(4)Compact structure: The thin design (such as thrust needle roller bearings) saves mounting space.

(5)Suitable for unidirectional or bidirectional axial loads: Unidirectional thrust bearings can only withstand axial forces in one direction, while bidirectional thrust bearings can withstand axial forces in two directions at the same time, which is suitable for complex load conditions.

4. Thrust Bearings Application

Thrust bearings are designed to handle axial loads effectively. Their primary function is to transfer and support loads along the axis direction, making them essential in a variety of industrial applications.

(1)Power transmission system: Thrust bearings are found in transmissions, clutches, ship propellers, helicopter rotor shafts, and so on. They help manage axial forces, ensuring smooth operation while minimizing friction loss.

(2)Industry equipment: In sectors like electric motors, stamping machines, metallurgical rolling mills, and mining equipment, thrust bearings are crucial for maintaining precise rotation, enhancing processing accuracy, and ensuring stability.

(3)Energy equipment: Thrust bearings are vital in energy systems, including wind turbine pitch systems, turbines, water turbines, and steam turbines. They help ensure these machines operate reliably over the long term.

(4)Compressors and water pumps: In heavy-duty water pumps and compressors, thrust bearings support the axial load generated by impeller rotation, promoting smooth operation and reducing wear and tear on the equipment.

(5)Precision machinery: Thrust bearings also play a key role in precision machinery, such as machine tool rotary tables and robotic joints, where they help maintain accuracy and functionality.