Thrust bearings contain three basic types of rolling elements: ball, roller or needle. By design, they handle various parameters of thrust and radial loads. Ball thrust bearings enable support of radial loads in thrust bearings. Applications exist in many industrial settings, especially where heavy loads exist. Thrust needle bearings typically find applications involving tight spaces. Low-speed operations commonly use a thrust ball bearing, while a thrust roller bearing supports large loads. Some thrust bearings come enclosed in housings for protection against oil, dirt or other elements.

A thrust bearing's size, load capacity and function vary by design. When looking for thrust bearings, consider the following:

1. Some thrust bearing companies carry metric sizes while others inches.

2. Order your thrust bearings from distributors with brand names and quick delivery.

3. Find a manufacturer for standard in house products or work with an engineer for your special designs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find ball and needle thrust bearings in metric and inch sizes

One website offers a wide selection of ball thrust bearings including small metric sizes for moderate loads. Scroll through the thrust needle bearing list for various load rated products at the two other companies.

I recommend: Open an account and buy thrust needle bearings online at Baum Hydraulics. Go to Quality Bearings and Components for metric axial needle roller thrust bearings; select part number and click “Request for Quote” or “Contact” from the same page. Go to Intercontinental Bearing Supply and click “Contact Us” or “Request Quote” on the page for information on your specific thrust ball bearing requirements.

Buy thrust bearings from distributors with in-stock inventory

Order online or request quotes from these companies that specialize in bearings. Products include spherical and thrust ball bearings for high axial/vertical loads.

I recommend: Check out the thrust bearings list that includes thrust/angular contact bearings and buy online at NationSkander California. Contact Bartlett Bearing via email or phone number on the page for spherical thrust bearings. Go to Atlantic Drives & Bearings of NC and request a roller or spherical thrust bearing quote. Click “Request Quote” or “Open Account” to order online at Anderson-Crane for spherical thrust bearings, radial and thrust ball bearings.

Work with a thrust bearing manufacturer for standard/custom solutions

These companies provide standard and specialty thrust bearings. Applications include auto, appliance, agricultural and other industrial environments with various carrying capacities and loads in open and closed products.

I recommend: Go to ART Technologies for roller thrust bearings and thrust ball bearings; phone the number on the page or click “Contact/RFQ” for quote. Choose a style that includes open, enclosed and round thrust ball grooved bearings, among others, then phone the number or click “Quote Request” at Auburn Ball Bearing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider outside diameter, bore and width when looking for thrust bearings. For a housed thrust bearing the outer diameter is included with the measurement.