What is a Thrust Bearing?

AST also specializes in miniature thrust bearings and small thrust bearings.  Our ball thrust bearing metric series start with bores as small as 2.0 mm with flat raceways and 3.0 mm with grooved raceways with outside diameters of 6.0 mm and 8.0 mm respectively. 

Some important factors when selecting thrust bearings from AST:

• Thrust bearings must be kept in matched sets.
• The bore (d dimensions) of one washer (smaller) in the set will conform to the specifications.
• The bore (d dimension) of the mating washer will be ~ .007” larger because it is a clearance hole for the shaft.

AST Bearings is proudly presenting our new certificates for both the NJ and CA locations: AST Bearings’ ISO 9001:2015 Certificates

To learn more about what the ISO 9001 standard is, the differences between the 2015 and 2008 versions, and how AST verifies customer satisfaction: Learn About AST Bearings’ certification to ISO 9001:2015

How do I choose between ball thrust bearings and cylindrical roller thrust bearings?

Selection depends primarily on the magnitude of the axial load and your operating speed. Ball thrust bearings use caged ball elements between flat or grooved washers, making them ideal for light to moderate axial loads at higher speeds (common in food processing equipment, scissor lifts, and lawn care machinery). Cylindrical roller thrust bearings feature cylindrical rolling elements designed to carry significantly heavier axial loads and withstand harsh operational stress, making them better suited for heavy-duty applications like hydraulic cylinders, escalators, and off-highway cranes.

Why are the washer bore dimensions slightly different within the same thrust bearing set?

Thrust bearings are precision-matched sets designed for specific shaft dynamics. One washer (the shaft washer) has a tighter bore size conforming strictly to nominal dimensions to fit securely on the rotating shaft. The mating washer (the housing washer) features a slightly larger bore—typically around 0.007 inches wider—to provide a clearance hole that allows the shaft to rotate freely without binding or causing unnecessary friction.

What size range is available for miniature and small thrust bearings?

AST Bearings specializes in miniature thrust bearings for micro-mechanical and space-constrained applications. Metric ball thrust series feature bore sizes starting as small as 2.0 mm for flat raceway configurations and 3.0 mm for grooved raceway configurations, with outer diameters of 6.0 mm and 8.0 mm respectively.

Can I download 3D CAD models or request custom engineering for thrust bearings?

Yes. You can access free 3D CAD models and full technical specifications for over 10,000 products through the online bearing catalog. Additionally, AST provides value-added engineering consultation, application design assistance, custom lubrication services, and bearing failure analysis to help tailor a bearing configuration to your exact design requirements.

Which industries and applications commonly utilize AST thrust bearings?

AST thrust bearings are widely used across aerospace, automotive, medical equipment, robotics, automation, power hand tools, off-highway machinery, and food and beverage processing. Common equipment integrations include centrifugal pumps, peristaltic pumps, hydraulic cylinders, elevators, platform lifts, and precision drives.