SKF
Needle Roller Thrust Bearings
Needle roller thrust bearings consist of a thin, radial arrangement of needle rollers held in a cage, placed between two thrust washers. They support high axial loads in minimal axial space, making them ideal for compact designs. SKF offers single direction versions for axial loads in one direction, and assemblies with centering spigots for easy location. The thrust washers can be ordered separately; shaft and housing washers are available in standard or precision grades. These bearings are used in automotive automatic transmissions, hydraulic pumps, and swashplate mechanisms, wherever space and high load capacity are critical. Proper surface hardness and finish of the mating washers are essential for full performance.
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Ultra-Compact Axial Support
Minimal height saves space in gearboxes and pumps.
High Load Capacity
Many needle roller contact lines handle heavy thrust.
Separable Components
Cage and washers can be installed independently.
Centering Options
Washers with spigots simplify alignment in assemblies.
Low Cost, High Volume
Ideal for automotive and hydraulic mass production.
Multiple Cage Materials
Steel and polymer cages for speed and temperature compatibility.
Needle Roller Thrust Bearings in Automatic Transmissions
Clutch packs and planetary gear sets use needle roller thrust bearings between rotating elements. Their minimal thickness keeps gearbox length compact while supporting high axial loads from clutch engagement and gear separation forces. SKF’s quality ensures consistent torque transfer.
Design Requirements for Mating Surfaces
The shaft and housing counterfaces must be hardened to 58 HRC minimum with fine surface finish (Ra ≤ 0.2 μm) to avoid damaging the needles. SKF provides washers in various tolerance grades to match application demands.