SKF thrust ball bearings are separable bearings, where the inner ring, outer ring, and the assembly of cage and balls can be separated. The shaft ring is the raceway that mates with the shaft, while the housing ring is the raceway that mates with the bearing housing bore, with clearance between the shaft and the bearing. Thrust ball bearings can only handle axial loads. Single-direction thrust ball bearings can only handle axial loads in one direction, while double-direction thrust ball bearings can handle axial loads in both directions. Thrust ball bearings cannot restrict radial displacement of the shaft and have a low limiting rotational speed. Single-direction thrust ball bearings can restrict axial displacement of the shaft relative to the housing in one direction, while double-direction bearings can restrict axial displacement in both directions.

SKF Single-Direction Thrust Ball Bearings

SKF single-direction thrust ball bearings consist of a shaft ring, a housing ring, and a ball-cage assembly. These SKF bearings are separable, allowing the inner ring, outer ring, and ball-cage assembly to be installed separately.

Small bearings come in two types: with a flat outer ring or with a self-aligning outer ring. Bearings with a self-aligning outer ring can be used with self-aligning washers to compensate for angular misalignment between the bearing housing support surface and the shaft.

SKF single-direction thrust ball bearings can support axial loads in one direction and provide axial positioning in that direction, but they must never bear any radial loads.

SKF Double-Direction Thrust Ball Bearings

SKF double-direction thrust ball bearings consist of an inner ring, two outer rings, and two ball-cage assemblies. The bearings are separable, allowing each component to be installed independently. Bidirectional bearings utilize the same inner ring, outer ring, and ball-cage assemblies as unidirectional bearings.

SKF bidirectional thrust ball bearings can withstand axial loads in both directions and provide axial positioning in both directions. They must never be subjected to any radial loads.

SKF thrust ball bearings are primarily used in the automotive, machine tool, and other industries.