Thrust ball bearings

When to Use a Thrust Bearing

Use a thrust ball bearing where the shaft is subjected to a purely axial (longitudinal) load, typically at lower speeds. SKF lists typical applications as fans and blowers, rotary compressors, or rotating spindles on machine tools. Other bearings, such as angular contact ball bearings, are designed for combined radial and axial loads.

Single-direction or double-direction axial bearings

A unidirectional axial bearing withstands forces in only one direction. It consists of a shaft ring, a housing ring, and a cage with balls. A bidirectional axial bearing has two housing rings and two cages and withstands forces in both directions.

Bearings with a spherical housing ring (series 532 and 533) are mounted with a support ring (such as SKF U 306) to compensate for initial misalignment between the housing and the shaft. We offer single-direction bearings in series 511–514, double-direction bearings in series 522 and 523, and ball-ring bearings in series 532 and 533.

Series 511, 512, 513, and 514: Same Diameter, Different Load Capacity

The series number in the designation indicates how robust the axial bearing is. For the same inner diameter, a higher series number corresponds to a larger outer diameter, greater height, and higher load capacity:

For a 40 mm shaft, we also carry heavier-duty series from NTN: 51308 NTN (40 × 78 × 26 mm) and 51408 NTN (40 × 90 × 36 mm).

How to determine the dimensions of an axial bearing from its designation

For series 511 through 514, the last two digits indicate the inner diameter. Starting with code 04 and higher, this number is multiplied by 5: 51105 has an inner diameter of 25 mm, and 51108 has 40 mm. Lower codes have fixed values: 00 = 10 mm, 01 = 12 mm, 02 = 15 mm. You can find the exact dimensions of each bearing in its specifications.

SKF, NTN, and SNR from the distributor

The product range includes 45 SKF types, 40 NTN types, and 12 SNR types. Wafarex is an authorized SKF distributor and an official NTN-SNR distributor. You can find additional types in the categories axial spherical roller bearings, axial roller bearings, axial needle bearings, and in the overview of all bearings.

Not sure which bearing to choose? We’re here to help on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at +420 732 445 248 or podpora@wafarex.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to Use an Axial Bearing? 

Where the shaft is subjected to purely axial (longitudinal) loads, typically at lower speeds, such as in fans, blowers, or rotary compressors.

What is the difference between an axial bearing and a radial bearing?

A radial bearing primarily supports forces perpendicular to the shaft axis, while an axial bearing supports forces along the axis. Axial ball bearings are designed only for purely axial loads.

What is the difference between a single-direction and a double-direction axial bearing?

A single-direction bearing withstands axial forces in one direction, while a double-direction bearing withstands them in both directions. A double-direction bearing has one shaft ring, two housing rings, and two cages with balls.

How do I determine the dimensions of an axial bearing?

For series 511–514, the last two digits correspond to the inner diameter: starting with code 04, multiply by 5 (51205 = 25 mm). You can find the outer diameter and height in the product specifications.