what is the diffrence between thrust and radial bearings?do redial bearing allow motion along the axis of the bearing?don't thrust bearing allow radial forces?i am confused, and i need some insight
I okorder /... which turn out to just be what I think of as normal or traditional ball bearings. No, radial bearings do not allow motion along the axis - normally there is a stop on the shaft to prevent this and continuous movement would damage the inner surface of the race or the shaft. Depending on the type of race, having any significant axial force would damage the bearing, as would occur in moving the shaft axially. Thrust bearings in theory are entirely for taking thrush along the axis and properly positioned radial bearings handle the radial forces of belts, chains, wheels, etc. A roller bearing or taper bearing would be used to handle both in one location. In practice, a thrust bearing with a ball race of the right shape will handle radial forces of a significant fraction of the rated thrust.
A radial bearing is designed to support radial loads while reducing rotational friction, but does not necessarily allow motion along the axis of a shaft. Thrust bearings are designed to support axial loads while reducing rotational friction. Bearings such as tapered roller bearings support both axial and longitudinal loads while reducing rotational friction which makes them suitable for applications such as vehicle wheel hub bearings.
