NTN Thrust bearings include a broad range of bearings that accommodate axial loads. Also referred to as axial force, thrust is parallel to the axis of rotation. Depending on the application, there are many types and variations of thrust bearings. Ball thrust bearings effectively withstand pure thrust loads.Thrust bearings absorb axial loads from rotating shafts into the stationary housings or mounts in which they are turning. Axial loads are those transmitted linearly along the shaft. Good examples of axial loads are the forward thrust on boats or prop-driven airplanes as a result of their propeller's rapid rotation.

Thrust ball bearings are manufactured as single direction or double direction thrust ball bearings. They are designed to accommodate axial loads only and must not be subjected to any radial load. In addition to the bearings presented in this section, NTN supplies thrust ball bearings for special application requirements.