Ball Thrust Bearings & Washers

Ball thrust bearings carry axial loads in machinery that requires rotation between different parts. They support loads in one thrust direction only. Ball thrust bearings contain two grooved washers and a cage that separates and spaces the bearing's spherical rolling elements. These spherical rolling elements, also called bearing balls, have a small contact area that allows them to operate at high speeds without failing but does not distribute weight well. This means ball thrust bearings cannot carry heavy loads.