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When a rotating shaft needs to handle axial (thrust) loads without wobble or premature wear, the wrong bearing becomes the weakest link in your build. Whether you're a machinist replacing a worn spindle bearing, a fabricator assembling a rotary table, or a DIYer building a lazy-susan turntable, these thrust ball bearings give you the precise axial support your project demands — in a wide range of sizes to match your exact shaft diameter.
Each bearing consists of two hardened steel washers (shaft washer and housing washer) with a ball-and-cage assembly sandwiched between them. Inner diameters span 20 mm (0.79 in) to 130 mm (5.12 in), with outer diameters ranging from 35 mm (1.38 in) to 170 mm (6.69 in) and heights from 10 mm (0.39 in) to 35 mm (1.38 in) depending on the selected size. The steel construction provides solid load capacity across the full size range.
Typical use cases include thrust ball bearing replacement for lathe spindles and milling machine tables, axial load management in rotary indexing fixtures and turntables, and shaft support in conveyor drives, jacks, and vertical-shaft assemblies where radial bearings alone are insufficient.
| Bearing Type | Single-direction thrust ball bearing |
|---|---|
| Series | 511xx (thin section) / 513xx (standard section) |
| Inner Diameter (ID) | 20 mm – 130 mm (0.79 in – 5.12 in) |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 35 mm – 170 mm (1.38 in – 6.69 in) |
| Height / Thickness | 10 mm – 35 mm (0.39 in – 1.38 in) |
| Material | Hardened steel (washers & balls) |
| Load Direction | Axial (thrust) only |
| Lubrication | See variant options |
| Operating Temperature | See variant options |
| Dynamic Load Rating (C) | See variant options |
| Static Load Rating (C₀) | See variant options |
| Pack Quantity | 1 piece per order |
Match the bearing's inner diameter (ID) to your shaft diameter. For example, if your shaft is 30 mm, select the 51106 (30×47×11 mm) variant. Then confirm the outer diameter fits within your housing bore and that the height clears your assembly. Always measure your shaft with calipers rather than relying on nominal drawings.
The 511xx series (e.g., 51104–51126) are thin-section thrust bearings with a relatively compact height-to-diameter ratio, suited for applications where axial space is limited. The 513xx series (e.g., 51304–51311) have a taller cross-section and higher load capacity for the same shaft diameter, making them better for heavier axial loads. Check the dimensional table in the variant selector to compare OD and height for your specific shaft size.
No — thrust ball bearings are designed exclusively for axial (thrust) loads. Applying significant radial loads will cause rapid wear and premature failure. For combined axial and radial loads, pair a thrust ball bearing with a deep-groove radial ball bearing on the same shaft.
These bearings are made from hardened steel, which provides good mechanical strength but limited corrosion resistance in wet or chemically aggressive environments. For outdoor, washdown, or humid applications, apply a compatible grease or consider stainless-steel thrust bearings. Keep the bearing lubricated and protected from direct moisture exposure for best service life.
Thrust ball bearings typically require lubrication before or during installation. Apply a thin, even coat of a lithium-based or general-purpose bearing grease to the ball-and-cage assembly and both washer faces. Avoid over-greasing, which can cause churning and heat buildup. Re-lubricate periodically based on your application's duty cycle and operating conditions.
Thrust ball bearings are ideal for moderate axial loads at moderate-to-high speeds where low friction and compact size matter — common in rotary tables, jacks, and instrument spindles. Tapered roller bearings handle heavier combined axial and radial loads at lower speeds and are common in wheel hubs and gearboxes. If your application involves pure axial load at moderate speed, a thrust ball bearing is typically the more efficient and cost-effective choice.
The number follows the ISO/JIS thrust bearing designation system. The first two digits (51) indicate a single-direction thrust ball bearing. The third digit indicates the series (1 = thin section, 3 = standard section). The last two digits indicate the bore size code — multiply by 5 to get the inner diameter in mm for codes 04 and above (e.g., code 06 = 30 mm ID). This makes it easy to cross-reference with bearing catalogs and OEM replacement lists.
