What Is a Spherical Thrust Roller Bearing?

A spherical thrust roller bearing is a rolling-element bearing that supports axial loads. It consists of three important components: a shaft washer, a housing washer, and the spherical roller elements.

NEWORLD’s spherical thrust roller bearing is self-aligning and unaffected by mounting errors or shaft deflection, which makes it ideal for conditions where accuracy is essential. The bearing is also oil lubricated for added reliability.

Self-aligning

Thrust bearings work with axial loads and are found in many mechanical systems, from automotive engines to aerospace systems. They are necessary for high-speed, heavy-load applications that require a lot of force in the axial direction.

These bearings are self-aligning due to the spherical raceway surface of the housing washer. They are also unaffected by mounting errors or shaft deflection, making them a great choice for use in tight spaces. The standard cages are made of machined brass, while the E-type offers a pressed steel cage for higher load capacity.

Depending on the type, spherical thrust roller bearings can handle single-direction or double-direction angular loads. They consist of a shaft washer, a housing washer, and a ball and cage assembly. The rollers can be either spherical or cylindrical and separated by consistently spaced pockets, which help to prevent them from sliding out of place. The cages don’t bear any load but hold the rolling elements together and are made of strong metal materials.

High load capacity

A spherical thrust bearing is a rolling element bearing that supports axial load. It consists of an inner and outer ring, asymmetrical rollers and a cage to support it. These types of bearings are used in industrial equipment where there are heavy loads and a possibility for misalignment.

The spherical roller thrust bearing has a larger load capacity than tapered roller bearings. It is able to withstand large axial loads in one direction and a combination of radial and axial loads. It also has a low frictional resistance and can operate at high speeds.

The design of the spherical thrust bearing allows for a wide range of applications. The spherical raceway surface is optimized for roughness and geometrical accuracy, which increases the load-carrying capacity. However, it is important to consider the effects of distortion when evaluating the capacity. If the shaft and housing dimensions are not parallel, there may be a reduction in the rating life of the bearing.

Oil lubrication

A spherical thrust roller bearing should be lubricated with oil to function properly. It’s important to choose lubricants that meet industry standards, as they will help the bearing work smoothly without any interruptions. If you’re not sure which lubricant to use, talk to the manufacturer of your spherical thrust roller bearing. They can give you recommendations that will fit your application.

A spherical thrust roller bearing needs to be lubricated with the right kind of oil, depending on its speed, load, and operating environment. Using the wrong lubricant can lead to failure of the bearing due to friction and excessive temperatures. To prevent this, you should select a lubricant with low viscosity and high temperature tolerance. A proper run-in procedure can also help you determine the lubricant type that will best suit your application. This way, you can avoid premature bearing failure and other costly issues.

Wide range of applications

For most applications, spherical thrust roller bearings are ideal because they are self-aligning and unaffected by shaft deflection or mounting errors of the housing. They can also tolerate misalignment that occurs during operation due to centrifugal forces, making them suitable for vibratory machinery.

These bearings are also able to support heavy radial loads while providing high speed capability. They are also resistant to shocks, vibrations and misalignment, which makes them an excellent choice for industrial machinery such as metal millwork/backup rolls.

NEWORLD’s spherical thrust bearings are available with small axial clearance, which allows simple and cost-effective bearing arrangements to be used. For higher axial loads where the abutment dimensions (da min and Da max) shown in the data table are exceeded, contact NEWORLD’s application engineering service to request a customized solution. These solutions can help you save time, money and energy in the long run. They can also help you meet regulatory requirements and comply with industry standards.