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When a rotating shaft needs to handle axial (thrust) loads without wobble or premature wear, the wrong bearing choice costs time and money. Engineers, machinists, and serious DIYers working on presses, gearboxes, rotary tables, and vertical shaft assemblies need a bearing that stays true under load — and that's exactly what these 51-series axial ball thrust bearings are built for.
Each bearing is a 3-part assembly: a shaft washer, a housing washer, and a ball-and-cage assembly seated between them. The series spans inner diameters from 10 mm (0.39 in) to 140 mm (5.51 in) and outer diameters from 24 mm (0.94 in) to 180 mm (7.09 in), with thickness ranging from 9 mm (0.35 in) to 31 mm (1.22 in) depending on the selected size. All variants conform to standard 511xx and 513xx dimensional series.
Typical applications include vertical shaft thrust support in drill presses and milling machines, axial load management in automotive steering columns and jack screws, rotary table and lazy-susan pivot assemblies, and hydraulic cylinder rod-end thrust applications where radial loads are minimal.
| Bearing Type | Single-direction axial ball thrust bearing |
|---|---|
| Construction | 3-part (shaft washer + housing washer + ball & cage assembly) |
| Series | 511xx (51100–51128) and 513xx (51305–51322) |
| Inner Diameter (ID) | 10 mm – 140 mm (0.39 in – 5.51 in) — See variant options |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 24 mm – 190 mm (0.94 in – 7.48 in) — See variant options |
| Thickness | 9 mm – 63 mm (0.35 in – 2.48 in) — See variant options |
| Material | Hardened carbon steel (raceways and balls) |
| Cage Material | See variant options |
| Lubrication | Unlubricated (grease to be applied at installation) |
| Load Direction | Axial (thrust) only — single direction |
| Operating Temperature | See variant options |
| Quantity per Order | 1 piece (1pcs) |
Match the bearing's inner diameter (ID) to your shaft diameter and the outer diameter (OD) to your housing bore. The thickness must fit within your assembly's axial clearance. Cross-reference the part number (e.g., 51104 = 20×35×10 mm) with your engineering drawings or the existing bearing's stamped number. When in doubt, measure the shaft with calipers and select the closest standard ID.
No. Single-direction axial ball thrust bearings are designed exclusively for axial (thrust) loads acting parallel to the shaft axis. They have very limited radial load capacity and should not be used as the sole radial support in a shaft assembly. If your application involves combined radial and axial loads, pair this bearing with a separate deep-groove or angular-contact radial bearing.
Both are single-direction axial ball thrust bearings, but the 513xx series (51305–51322) features a larger OD and greater thickness relative to the same shaft ID compared to the 511xx series. This gives the 513xx variants higher axial load capacity and greater rigidity, making them better suited for heavier-duty presses, hydraulic cylinders, and industrial gearboxes where the 511xx series may be undersized.
A lithium-based NLGI #2 grease or an EP (extreme pressure) bearing grease is suitable for most workshop and light industrial applications. Apply a thin, even coat to the raceways and ball cage before assembly. Avoid over-packing, as excess grease can cause churning and heat buildup. For high-temperature or food-grade environments, consult a lubrication specialist for the appropriate grease type.
These bearings are made from hardened carbon steel and are not inherently corrosion-resistant. They are not recommended for continuous exposure to water, salt spray, or corrosive chemicals without additional protection. For wet or corrosive environments, consider applying a rust-inhibiting grease, using a sealed housing, or sourcing stainless steel variants. Contact us to confirm availability of corrosion-resistant options.
Ensure the shaft washer (the washer with the smaller bore) seats against the rotating component (shaft shoulder), and the housing washer seats against the stationary component (housing face). The ball-and-cage assembly sits between the two washers. Never press on the cage or balls — apply installation force only to the washer faces. Verify that the shaft and housing are square to prevent edge loading, which can significantly reduce bearing life.
Yes, provided the part number and dimensions match your OEM specification. The 511xx and 513xx series follow standard dimensional conventions, so a 51106 bearing from this listing will have the same 30×47×11 mm dimensions as any other standard 51106. Always verify the ID, OD, and thickness against your machine's service manual or the original bearing's markings before ordering.
