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When a rotating shaft needs to resist axial (thrust) forces without adding bulk, engineers and DIY builders reach for plane thrust ball bearings. Whether you are rebuilding a small gearbox, assembling a rotary table, or replacing a worn thrust element in a power tool, selecting the wrong thickness or bore diameter means the whole assembly runs rough or fails early.
These plane axial ball bearing thrust bearings follow the metric F-series designation, covering bore diameters from 2 mm (approx. 0.079 in) up to 12 mm (approx. 0.472 in), outer diameters from 6 mm to 23 mm, and thicknesses from 3 mm to 7.5 mm. Each unit consists of a ball complement retained between two hardened steel washers (shaft washer and housing washer), forming a compact flat-profile thrust assembly.
Typical applications include light-duty axial positioning in RC vehicle differentials, 3D printer Z-axis lead screw supports, small lathe tailstock spindles, and hand-tool pivot assemblies where radial space is limited but axial stiffness is required.
| Bearing Type | Plane Axial Thrust Ball Bearing (Flat Washer Type) |
|---|---|
| Series | Metric F-Series |
| Available Models | F2-6M, F2.5-6M, F3-8M, F4-9M, F4-10M, F5-10M, F5-11M, F5-12M, F6-11M, F6-12M, F6-14M, F7-13M, F7-15M, F7-17M, F8-14M, F8-16M, F8-19M, F8-22M, F9-17M, F9-20M, F10-17M, F10-18M, F10-20M, F12-21M, F12-23M |
| Bore (ID) Range | 2 mm – 12 mm (approx. 0.079 in – 0.472 in) |
| Outer Diameter (OD) Range | 6 mm – 23 mm (approx. 0.236 in – 0.906 in) |
| Thickness Range | 3 mm – 7.5 mm (approx. 0.118 in – 0.295 in) |
| Material | Hardened carbon steel |
| Load Direction | Axial (thrust) only |
| Lubrication | See variant options |
| Operating Temperature | See variant options |
| Pack Quantity | 1 pc or 4 pcs (select variant) |
The F-series model number encodes the key dimensions: the number before the hyphen is the bore (ID) in mm, and the number after is the outer diameter (OD) in mm. For example, F8-16M has an 8 mm bore and a 16 mm OD. Measure your shaft diameter for the ID and your housing seat for the OD, then match to the closest model. Always confirm the thickness fits your available axial space before ordering.
No. Plane axial thrust ball bearings are designed exclusively for axial (thrust) loads acting parallel to the shaft axis. Applying radial loads to these bearings will cause rapid raceway damage. If your application involves both radial and axial forces, use a deep-groove ball bearing or an angular contact bearing instead.
The shaft washer, housing washer, and ball complement are made from hardened carbon steel. This provides adequate hardness for most light-duty and medium-duty axial positioning tasks. If your environment involves moisture or mild corrosive exposure, consider applying a compatible grease or oil to the bearing surfaces after installation.
These flat thrust bearings are typically supplied with a light protective oil coating rather than a packed grease fill. For most applications, apply a thin layer of appropriate bearing grease or oil to both raceway faces before installation. The correct lubricant viscosity depends on your operating speed and load — consult your equipment manual if unsure.
The 1-piece option is suited for single repairs or prototype builds where you need exactly one bearing. The 4-pack offers a lower per-unit cost and is practical when you are stocking a maintenance kit, building multiple assemblies, or want spares on hand for future replacements. Both options ship the identical bearing — only the quantity differs.
Seat the shaft washer (the washer with the tighter bore fit) against the rotating component and the housing washer against the stationary surface. Ensure both mating faces are clean, flat, and free of burrs. Apply light lubrication to both raceway faces. Do not press or hammer directly on the ball complement — apply installation force only to the washer faces. Confirm the bearing sits flush and square before final assembly.
Plane thrust ball bearings in the F-series are optimized for low-to-moderate rotational speeds under axial load. At high speeds, centrifugal effects on the ball complement and increased heat generation can reduce service life. For high-speed thrust applications, consider angular contact ball bearings or tapered roller bearings rated for your specific RPM range.
