Thrust ball bearings are separable bearings that can only withstand axial loads. Unidirectional bearings can only withstand axial loads in one direction, while bidirectional bearings can withstand alternating axial loads in two directions. Thrust ball bearings must be tightened axially during operation. They are mainly suitable for lathe centers, automotive clutches, reducers, etc. Bidirectional thrust angle contact bearings are suitable for machine tool spindles, while unidirectional thrust angle contact bearings are suitable for screw supports.

Thrust bearings are divided into thrust ball bearings and thrust roller bearings

Thrust ball bearings are also divided into thrust ball bearings and thrust angular contact ball bearings. The raceway ring composed of washers with raceways, balls, and cage components that fit with the shaft is called the shaft ring, and the raceway ring that fits with the shell is called the seat ring. Bidirectional bearings fit the middle ring with the shaft. Unidirectional bearings can withstand unidirectional axial loads, while bidirectional bearings can withstand bidirectional axial loads. Bearings with a spherical installation surface of the seat ring have centering performance, This type of bearing can reduce the impact of installation errors. It is mainly used in automotive steering mechanisms and machine tool spindles.

Thrust roller bearings are divided into cylindrical roller bearings, self-aligning roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, and needle roller bearings

Thrust cylindrical roller bearings are mainly used in oil drilling rigs and steel making machinery

Thrust self-aligning roller bearings are mainly used in hydraulic generators, vertical motors, ship propeller shafts, tower cranes, extrusion machines, etc

Thrust tapered roller bearings are mainly used for one-way crane hooks, oil drilling rig rotating rings, and two-way steel rolling mill roller necks

Plane thrust bearings mainly bear axial loads in assemblies and are widely used. Although the installation operation of thrust bearings is relatively simple, errors often occur during actual maintenance, such as incorrect installation positions of the tight and loose rings of the bearings, resulting in the bearings losing their function and the journal being quickly worn. The tightening ring is installed on the end face of the stationary part, which is incorrect assembly. The inner ring of the tight ring is a transitional fit with the journal. When the shaft rotates, it drives the tight ring and rubs with the end face of the stationary part. When the axial force (Fx) is applied, the Friction torque will be greater than the matching resistance torque of the inner diameter, resulting in the forced rotation of the fitting surface of the tight ring and the shaft, and increasing the wear of the journal.

Therefore, the following points should be noted when installing thrust bearings.

(1) Distinguish between the tight ring and loose ring of the bearing (based on the inner diameter of the bearing, the difference in aperture is 0.1-0.5mm).

(2) Distinguish the stationary parts of the mechanism (i.e. non moving components, mainly referring to the assembly body).

(3) Regardless of the situation, the loose ring of the bearing should always rest against the end face of the stationary part.