News

What is the Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing?

A Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing (SRT) is a heavy-duty bearing designed for very high axial loads, supporting moderate radial loads, and crucially, it self-aligns to accommodate shaft deflection and misalignment between the housing and shaft, making it ideal for harsh conditions in heavy machinery like crushers, gearboxes, and marine propulsion. Its design features spherically shaped rollers within a specially contoured housing washer, allowing it to handle combined heavy thrust and radial forces while maintaining low friction and long life.

Features of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing

Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings stand out in heavy industrial applications due to their targeted structural design and industry-leading axial load performance, with core features as follows:

Ultra-High Axial Load Capacity: Adopting an optimized point contact design between spherical rollers and raceways, paired with heavy-duty reinforced bearing materials, the bearing delivers industry-leading axial load-bearing performance, with a maximum axial load capacity of up to 8000 kN. This load capacity is 3-5 times higher than that of thrust ball bearings of the same size, making it fully adaptable to the ultra-heavy axial load requirements of large-scale industrial equipment.

Strong Self-Aligning Adaptability:The unique spherical roller and raceway design enables the bearing to compensate for ±2°-3° of installation deviations and shaft deflection, eliminating the need for ultra-high-precision installation alignment. This feature greatly reduces assembly accuracy requirements, minimizes operational failures caused by misalignment or shaft bending under heavy loads, and significantly improves operational stability in heavy-load and fluctuating working conditions.

Convenient Installation & Maintenance:The split separable structure allows for independent installation and disassembly of the shaft washer, housing washer, and roller assembly. This design eliminates the need to disassemble the entire host equipment during bearing replacement, shortening assembly and maintenance cycles, reducing maintenance difficulty and labor costs, and is particularly suitable for large-scale heavy machinery that is difficult to disassemble integrally.

High Cost-Effectiveness for Import Substitution:The technical specifications of the bearing fully match international imported series, with consistent load-bearing performance, precision, and service life. It ensures a stable and reliable supply chain, while reducing procurement costs by 20%-30% compared with imported brands, making it an ideal cost-effective option for domestic substitution in heavy industrial applications.

Wide Application Adaptability:The bearing is compatible with complex heavy-load environments such as dusty, humid, and high-temperature conditions, with flexible material, sealing, and lubrication customization options. It supports non-standard size customization of shaft washers and housing washers, self-aligning angle optimization (±3°-5°), and corrosion-resistant material modification, fully covering the heavy-load application needs of multiple industries.

High Rigidity & Long Service:Stability Manufactured from GCr15 high-carbon chromium steel with advanced surface hardening treatment, paired with the uniform load distribution design of spherical rollers, the bearing delivers exceptional deformation resistance, ensuring stable axial positioning accuracy even under extreme heavy loads. The roller end faces are precision polished to a surface roughness of Ra≤0.08μm, which reduces friction and wear, extending the fatigue life by 40% compared with conventional thrust bearings, and adapting to long-term continuous operation of equipment.

Applications of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing

Leveraging its exceptional axial load capacity, self-aligning performance, and harsh environment adaptability, Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings are widely used across 10 key industrial fields, becoming an indispensable core component in heavy-duty rotating machinery:

Heavy-Duty Gearboxes & Speed Reducers:Widely applied to industrial heavy-duty gear reducers, marine gearboxes, and wind turbine gearboxes, spherical roller thrust bearings reliably support the large axial forces generated by the meshing of helical and bevel gears, while compensating for shaft deflection and installation misalignment, maintaining stable transmission performance and reducing vibration and noise in the drive system.

Wind Energy Equipment:Installed in wind turbine main shafts, pitch and yaw systems, the bearings handle heavy thrust loads from wind impact and rotor weight, while compensating for structural deflection of the tower and main shaft under variable wind conditions. Their long fatigue life and high load capacity fully meet the 20-year design life requirements of onshore and offshore wind farms.

Mining & Quarry Equipment:As a core component in crushers, grinding mills, and heavy-duty conveyors for mining and quarry operations, these bearings are designed to operate under extreme axial loads, severe vibration, and harsh dusty environments. Their high load capacity and impact resistance reduce maintenance frequency and production downtime in continuous mining operations.

Steel & Metallurgical Machinery:Extensively used in rolling mill screw-down systems, continuous casting machines, and steel processing lines, their high load capacity and structural rigidity are critical for maintaining dimensional accuracy in metal processing operations. They can withstand the heavy axial loads and high-temperature working conditions of steel production, ensuring long-term stable operation of metallurgical equipment.

Construction Machinery:Applied to cranes, excavators, and heavy equipment slewing mechanisms, spherical roller thrust bearings withstand severe shock loads and axial forces during lifting, slewing, and excavation operations. Their self-aligning capability adapts to structural deformation under heavy loads, delivering reliable performance in harsh outdoor construction environments.

Marine & Offshore Equipment:Used in ship propeller shafts, marine thrusters, and offshore platform winches, the bearings are designed to absorb propeller thrust and heavy axial loads during marine navigation and operation. Corrosion-resistant material options and sealed designs ensure reliable performance in humid, salt-spray marine and offshore environments.

Vertical & Heavy-Duty Pumps & Compressors:Suitable for large vertical pumps, heavy-duty screw compressors, and turbo compressors, they support the weight of vertical shafts and axial process loads from fluid compression and delivery. Their stable axial positioning and low friction characteristics maintain shaft stability and efficient equipment operation over continuous running cycles.

Oil & Gas Equipment:Integrated into drilling rigs, mud pumps, and offshore platform equipment for the oil and gas industry, the bearings are engineered for continuous operation under high thrust loads, vibration, and corrosive working conditions. Customized material and sealing solutions meet the harsh environmental requirements of oil and gas exploration and production.

Industrial Presses & Extruders:A critical component in screw presses, metal forging presses, and plastic and rubber extruders, their ultra-high thrust capacity is essential for axial force transmission in high-pressure forming processes. The high rigidity and load uniformity of the bearings ensure consistent extrusion and pressing accuracy, even under extreme continuous axial loads.

Power Generation Equipment:Applied to hydropower turbines, steam turbine auxiliary systems, and other power generation equipment, spherical roller thrust bearings ensure stable axial load support under heavy operating conditions. Their long service life and high reliability meet the continuous operation requirements of power generation facilities, reducing maintenance and shutdown risks.

Price of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing

The price of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings is determined by multiple interrelated factors, primarily including product specifications, material quality, structural design, and order requirements, with detailed influencing factors as follows:

Size & Load Rating:Size is the core driver of bearing pricing, with standard models covering an inner diameter (shaft ring) range of 150–260 mm, outer diameter (housing ring) range of 215–480 mm, and total thickness range of 39–132 mm.Larger bearings consume significantly more high-quality bearing steel raw materials, and require more complex precision machining, heat treatment, and grinding processes, leading to higher production costs. Bearings with ultra-high load ratings require thicker raceways, larger diameter rollers, and reinforced structural design, further increasing the final product price.

Precision Grade:The bearings are available in precision grades P0, P6, P5, and P4 in ascending order of accuracy, which directly impacts product pricing. High-precision P4/P5 grade bearings require stricter multi-stage precision grinding, 100% dimensional and runout testing, and precision roller sorting processes, with a much higher production rejection rate. As a result, their prices are 40%-70% higher than standard P0 grade bearings, with a more significant price gap for large-size and high-precision models.

Material Selection:Standard GCr15 high-carbon chromium steel offers the best cost performance for general working conditions. Selecting SUS440C stainless steel for corrosion resistance or heat-resistant alloy materials for high-temperature environments will increase raw material costs by 50%-90%, directly driving up the bearing price. Cage material also has a significant impact on pricing: machined brass cages are more expensive than reinforced Nylon 66 or stamped steel cages, with custom high-strength cage materials adding additional production costs.

Structural Design & Customization:Requirements Standard 292, 293, 294 series open-type bearings are the most cost-effective options. Customized structural designs, including non-standard size adjustment of shaft and housing washers, self-aligning angle optimization, and integrated sealing structures, require higher machining precision and custom tooling, increasing costs by 15%-60% based on the complexity of the customization. Special designs for extreme working conditions, such as reinforced cages for high-impact applications, will further increase the price.

Sealing & Lubrication:Configuration Standard open-type bearings are the most economical base option. Adding contact rubber seals (2RS/UU) for dust and splash protection increases costs by 15%-30%, while labyrinth seals for heavy-load dusty applications add 10%-20% to the price. Special lubrication solutions, such as high-temperature resistant grease, food-grade lubricant, or circulating oil lubrication designs, will also increase the overall product cost.

Order Quantity & Delivery Time:Bulk orders (≥100 pieces) qualify for a 15%-25% quantity discount, as mass production reduces unit processing costs and material waste. Small-batch orders (≤30 pieces) or urgent orders (delivery within 5 days) incur additional production scheduling, expedited processing, and logistics costs, increasing the unit price by 20%-40%.

How to choose Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing 

To select the optimal Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing and ensure long-term stable operation matching the equipment requirements, purchasers should comprehensively evaluate the following key factors: Working Condition Matching First, clarify the core working parameters of the equipment, including the magnitude and direction of axial load, moderate radial load (must be ≤10% of the axial load), rotational speed, working temperature, installation alignment accuracy, and environmental conditions (dusty, corrosive, humid). For scenarios with installation misalignment, shaft deflection, or eccentric loads, spherical roller thrust bearings with appropriate self-aligning capability are the optimal choice. It should be noted that this type of bearing is mainly designed for axial loads, cannot bear radial loads alone, and must be used in combination with radial bearings if there is a combined radial and axial load requirement.

Size & Precision Grade Confirmation：Determine the inner diameter of the shaft washer, outer diameter of the housing washer, and total thickness of the bearing strictly according to the equipment design drawings, and select the appropriate precision grade. For general heavy-duty equipment such as mining conveyors and standard gearboxes, P0/P6 grade bearings can meet the application requirements; for precision equipment such as extrusion machines, high-precision pumps, and power generation equipment, P5/P4 high-precision bearings should be selected to ensure axial positioning accuracy and operational stability.

Material & Cage Selection：For standard room temperature, clean working conditions, GCr15 high-carbon chromium steel and stamped steel/reinforced Nylon 66 cages are sufficient and cost-effective. For high-temperature, corrosive, or heavy impact environments, select SUS440C stainless steel or heat-resistant alloy materials. Cage selection should also match working conditions: reinforced Nylon 66 cages for medium-high speed operation, machined brass cages for heavy load and impact conditions, and stamped steel cages for cost-sensitive general applications.

Load & Speed Capacity：Verification Calculate the actual static and dynamic axial loads of the equipment, and select bearings with basic load ratings 1.2–1.5 times higher than the actual working loads to ensure sufficient safety margin for shock loads. At the same time, verify that the limiting speed (grease or oil lubrication) of the selected bearing is higher than the maximum operating speed of the equipment, to avoid overheating, cage damage, and premature failure caused by overspeed operation.

Supplier Qualification & After-Sales Service：Assessment Prioritize professional bearing suppliers with mature production capacity and industry experience, such as NewBee Transmission. Verify the supplier’s ISO9001 quality certification, advanced production equipment (CNC precision grinding machines, integral heat treatment lines), and complete product testing reports. In addition, fully understand the supplier’s after-sales service capabilities, including warranty period, on-site installation guidance, and 24/7 technical support, to avoid after-sales troubles.

Cost-Effectiveness Balance：Avoid blind pursuit of ultra-high precision and premium materials that exceed actual working requirements. Select products that fully match the actual working conditions according to the importance of the equipment and operating requirements. Domestic brands such as NewBee Transmission provide technical specifications fully compatible with imported brands (e.g., SKF, Timken), with a cost advantage of 20%-30%, ensuring stable supply while significantly reducing procurement costs.

Manufacturer of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing

NewBee Transmission is a professional manufacturer and supplier of high-quality Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings, focusing on providing reliable heavy-load axial bearing solutions for global customers in the steel, metallurgy, mining, wind energy, construction machinery, and marine industries. With advanced manufacturing technology, strict full-process quality control, and customer-centric professional services, NewBee Transmission has become a trusted long-term partner for many large industrial enterprises worldwide.

Comprehensive Product Range：The standard Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing series covers inner diameters (shaft ring) from 150 mm to 260 mm, outer diameters (housing ring) from 215 mm to 480 mm, and total thickness from 39 mm to 132 mm, with precision grades including P0, P6, P5, and P4. It offers mainstream 292, 293, 294 series models, open-type and sealed designs, as well as brass, reinforced Nylon 66, and stamped steel cage variants, fully meeting the diverse needs of different industrial applications. Non-standard size, material, and structural customization services are also available for special working conditions.

Advanced Manufacturing & Testing Capabilities：The company is equipped with internationally advanced CNC precision grinding machines, integral automatic heat treatment lines, high-precision roller sorting equipment, and a professional bearing testing center. It implements strict 100% inspection throughout the entire production process, from raw material incoming inspection (spectral analysis, metallographic testing) to finished product testing (load capacity, precision, runout, fatigue life), ensuring the consistency, reliability, and stability of every batch of products.

Professional Customization Services：NewBee Transmission has a senior R&D engineering team with more than 15 years of experience in thrust roller bearing design and manufacturing, which can provide one-stop customized solutions according to customers'specific working conditions and equipment design requirements. Whether it is non-standard size design of shaft and housing washers, self-aligning angle optimization, corrosion-resistant material modification, special seal structure design, or custom lubrication solutions, the team can efficiently complete design, sample development, and mass production. The sample development cycle for customized models is only 4–10 weeks, with urgent production support for key projects.

Reliable Quality Assurance & After-Sales Service:All products strictly comply with ISO9001 quality management system standards and international bearing industry standards, with a standard product warranty period of 18 months. The company has a complete after-sales service system, providing 24/7 online technical consultation, on-site installation guidance, and professional maintenance training. For any quality problems caused by the product itself, the company implements free replacement and maintenance services to ensure that customers'production is not affected.

Efficient Logistics & Global Supply Chain:Relying on intelligent warehousing management and an optimized global supply chain, NewBee Transmission ensures a delivery cycle of 5–12 days for standard in-stock models. The company cooperates with top international logistics partners including DHL and FedEx, and has established overseas warehouses in Europe and North America, achieving fast and efficient delivery to customers around the world, fully supporting customers'just-in-time production plans.

Precautions for Using Spherical Roller Thrust

Bearing Proper installation, lubrication, and maintenance are critical to maximizing the service life and ensuring the optimal performance of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearings, especially in heavy axial load and harsh working conditions. Key precautions are as follows: Standardized Installation Operation Before installation, thoroughly clean the bearing, shaft, and housing bore to remove all burrs, oil stains, welding slag, and other impurities, to avoid raceway and roller wear during operation. Correctly distinguish the shaft washer (tight interference fit with the shaft) and housing washer (transition fit with the housing bore), and use specialized pressing tools for assembly. Apply force evenly on the washer with interference fit, and strictly prohibit hammering or impact knocking, which will cause raceway deformation, roller damage, and permanent precision loss.

After installation, ensure the self-aligning center of the bearing is aligned with the shaft axis, and verify that the bearing can achieve the designed self-aligning angle without jamming. Scientific Lubrication Management Select the appropriate lubricating grease or oil according to the working temperature, rotational speed, and load conditions. For high-temperature environments (≤150°C), use high-temperature special heavy-duty grease; for medium-high speed operation, use low-viscosity lubricating oil. Open-type bearings require regular lubrication replenishment, with grease replacement every 1000–1800 working hours; sealed bearings should be inspected regularly for grease leakage, with timely seal replacement and grease replenishment if leakage is found. Strictly avoid over-lubrication (which will increase friction and heat generation) or insufficient lubrication (which will cause dry friction and premature bearing failure). Real-Time Operation Monitoring During equipment operation, continuously monitor the temperature, vibration, and noise of the bearing in real time. The normal operating temperature of the bearing should be within 30–80°C, with a temperature rise not exceeding 18°C. If the temperature rises sharply or exceeds the limit, it may indicate insufficient lubrication, installation misalignment, or overload, and the equipment should be shut down for inspection immediately. Abnormal vibration or noise may signal roller/raceway wear, cage damage, or foreign matter ingress, requiring timely disassembly and inspection. Proper Storage & Handling Store the bearings in a clean, dry, and ventilated environment with a relative humidity of ≤60%, and avoid direct contact with acids, alkalis, and other corrosive substances to prevent rust and corrosion. Bearings should be stored horizontally in their original packaging, and heavy stacking on the bearing packaging is strictly prohibited to prevent washer deformation. During transportation and handling, use shockproof packaging to avoid collision, dropping, or severe vibration, which will damage the bearing's internal structure and precision.

Regular Inspection & Scheduled Maintenance:Conduct regular disassembly and inspection according to the equipment’s operating cycle and working conditions. Check the wear condition of the raceways and rollers, the integrity of the cage, the condition of the seals, and the remaining lubricant quality during inspection. If abnormal wear, pitting, deformation, or damage is found, replace the bearing in time to avoid secondary damage to the host equipment caused by bearing failure. After inspection and maintenance, thoroughly clean the bearing and related parts, reapply qualified lubricant, and reinstall correctly according to the assembly specifications.

Technical Specifications of Spherical Roller Thrust Bearing

For technical specifications, pricing, or custom engineering solutions:

Email: paul@newbeetrans.com

Website: www.newbeetrans.com