SKF thrust ball bearings are separable bearings, where the inner ring, outer ring, and the assembly comprising the cage and balls can be separated. The inner ring fits onto the shaft, while the outer ring fits into the housing bore, with clearance between the shaft and outer ring. Thrust ball bearings can only accommodate axial loads; single-direction thrust ball bearings handle axial loads in one direction only, whereas 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 comprise a shaft ring, a housing ring, and a ball-and-cage assembly. These SKF bearings are separable, allowing the inner ring, outer ring, and ball-cage assembly to be installed individually.

Two types of small bearings are available: those with a flat outer ring and those 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 withstand axial loads in one direction and provide axial positioning in that direction, but must never bear any radial load.

SKF double-direction thrust ball bearings

SKF double-direction thrust ball bearings comprise an inner ring, two outer rings, and two ball-and-cage assemblies. The bearings are separable, with all components capable of independent installation. Bidirectional bearings utilise 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, but must never bear any radial loads.

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