Thrust Ball Bearings

Thrust bearings are available mainly in two types -either with a single or double thrust. Single thrust bearings consist of two rings and a set of balls in the retainer. Double thrust bearing consist of one rotating ring in the middle with two ball tracks, two sets of balls in the retainer and two stationary rings. Tracks of balls are ground in such a way that the forces between the balls and tracks are parallel to the axis of the shaft. Single thrust bearings are designed for carrying loads in one direction only. Whereas, double thrust ones can take them in both directions. But, these bearings can never carry any radial loads.