Products

Thrust Bearings

Product Overview

Thrust Bearings are a category of rolling bearings specifically designed to support axial (thrust) loads acting along the shaft axis, with little or no capacity for radial loading. Unlike radial bearings, the rolling elements in thrust bearings are arranged between two flat or grooved washers (races) oriented perpendicular to the shaft, allowing efficient transfer of axial force between rotating and stationary components.

Available in multiple rolling element types – including ball thrust bearings, cylindrical roller thrust bearings, spherical roller thrust bearings, tapered roller thrust bearings, and needle roller thrust bearings – the series can be selected based on required load capacity, speed range, and misalignment tolerance. Configurations include single-direction (supporting axial load in one direction only) and double-direction (supporting axial load in both directions) types. Precision grades and cage materials vary by rolling element type, with steel stamped, machined brass, and polyamide cages commonly available.

Technical Specifications

Series	511-514 (Ball Thrust), 811/812 (Cylindrical Roller), 293 (Spherical Roller), 9100 (Needle Roller)
Bore Diameter Range	6mm – 600mm
Outer Diameter Range	14mm – 870mm
Height/Width Range	5mm – 280mm
Cage Material Options	Steel stamped, machined brass, polyamide PA66
Directional Options	Single-direction, double-direction
Precision Grades	P0 standard, P6 high precision
Axial Clearance	Standard, adjustable (application-dependent)
Material Standard	Gcr15 / 52100 chrome steel, stainless steel SS440
Temperature Range	-30°C to +150°C standard, up to +200°C high temperature
Lubrication	Grease standard, oil required for high-speed/heavy-load roller types
Standards Met	ISO 9001, ISO 104, DIN 711/722, ANSI/ABMA

Key Features

High axial load capacity – engineered specifically for applications dominated by thrust loading, with capacity scaling by rolling element type (ball < cylindrical roller < spherical/tapered roller)
Multiple rolling element options – ball type for lower load/higher speed applications, roller types (cylindrical, spherical, tapered, needle) for higher load capacity at correspondingly lower speeds
Self-aligning options available – spherical roller thrust bearings accommodate angular misalignment while maintaining high axial load capacity
Single- or double-direction configurations – selectable based on whether axial load acts in one direction or alternates between both directions
Compatible with grease and oil lubrication, with oil lubrication generally required for higher-speed and higher-load roller thrust bearing applications
Compliant with international standards, including ISO 104, DIN 711/722, and ANSI/ABMA

Applications

Thrust Bearings are widely used in vertical pumps and compressors, where they support the axial weight of the rotor assembly and any additional hydraulic thrust generated during operation.

In machine tool spindles and gearboxes, the series supports axial loads generated by gear forces or cutting operations, often used in combination with radial bearings to form a complete support system.

In automotive transmissions and crankshaft assemblies, ball and cylindrical roller thrust bearings support axial loads generated during gear engagement and combustion cycles.

In construction equipment, cranes, and turntables, spherical and tapered roller thrust bearings provide the high axial load capacity required for heavy lifting and rotating structure support.

The series is also widely applied in wind turbine yaw and pitch systems, marine propulsion shafts, and heavy industrial gearboxes, wherever dedicated axial load support is required independent of, or in combination with, radial load-bearing components.

Electric Tools

Automotive

Machine Tools

Agriculture Machinery

Food and Beverage

Robotics

Technical Resources

Whether you are an engineer, procurement manager, or equipment maintenance professional, here you will find in-depth content covering bearing operating principles, technical parameter interpretation, industry application analysis, and selection logic — helping you build a comprehensive understanding of bearing products and make more informed decisions in real-world applications.

Thrust Bearings A Complete Guide to Structure, Working Principle, Selection, and Applications

Bearing Seals and Shields: A Complete Guide to Z, ZZ, RS, RZ, RS1, and 2RS1 Types

Select Bearing Metal Materials: Common Standards and Purchasing Guidelines Bearing Metal Materials: Common Standards and Purchasing Guidelines

Selection Guide for Deep Groove Ball Bearing Clearance: C3 vs. C0 (CN)

FAQs

What loads can deep groove ball bearings handle?

Deep groove ball bearings are primarily designed for radial loads, but they can also handle moderate axial (thrust) loads in both directions. They are not suitable for heavy axial loads or combined shock loads. In those cases, angular contact or tapered roller bearings are preferred.

How do I select the right bearing size for my application?

Selection should be based on bore diameter (shaft size), required load capacity (dynamic rating C and static rating C0), operating speed compared with the bearing limiting speed, available space (outer diameter and width), and required precision grade from P0 to P2. Always apply a safety factor and verify that the calculated L10 service life meets your requirements.

What is the difference between open, shielded (ZZ), and sealed (2RS) bearings?

Open: No built-in protection, requires external sealing, and is suitable for clean environments or oil bath lubrication.

ZZ metal shields: Protect against dust and debris with low friction, making them suitable for high-speed applications, but they are not waterproof.

2RS rubber seals: Provide strong protection against dust and moisture. They are pre-greased and ideal for contaminated environments, but generate slightly more friction.

How often should I lubricate or replace the grease?

For general industrial use, grease should be replenished or replaced every 3,000 to 10,000 operating hours depending on speed, temperature, and environmental conditions. Bearings running above 70 C or in contaminated environments require shorter intervals. Sealed 2RS bearings are pre-greased for life and do not require re-lubrication.

What are the common causes of premature bearing failure?

The most frequent causes include inadequate or improper lubrication, contamination by dirt, dust, or moisture, incorrect installation, misalignment, excessive force during fitting, overloading beyond the rated capacity, improper shaft or housing fits, and fatigue at the end of normal service life.

How is the rated service life (L10) of a bearing calculated?

The basic L10 life is calculated as L10 = (C / P)^3 x 10^6 revolutions, where C is the dynamic load rating in kN and P is the equivalent dynamic bearing load in kN. It represents the number of revolutions that 90% of identical bearings will complete without fatigue failure. In practice, ISO 281 modified life calculations also apply correction factors for lubrication, contamination, material, and reliability.

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