Thrust Spherical Plain Bearings

Thrust spherical plain bearings resemble angular contact spherical plain bearings in that they have sliding contact surfaces in the shaft and housing washers which are arranged at an angle to the bearing axis. However, they are primarily intended for axial loads although they can accommodate combined loads to a certain extent. The radial load component should, however, not exceed 50% of the simultaneously acting axial load. SKF thrust spherical plain bearings are produced as standard with the sliding contact surface combination steel/FRP and are maintenance-free. To enhance protection against corrosion as well as sealing it is, however, in many applications, advisable to fill the space surrounding the bearing during mounting with a rust inhibiting lithium base grease of consistency 2 or 3. Such an initial lubrication will also extend the service life of the bearing.