Plastic thrust ball bearings cannot withstand radial loads and have a lower limit speed.

The fit between the ring and the shaft of a thrust bearing is generally a transitional fit, and the fit between the seat ring and the bearing seat hole is generally a clearance fit. Therefore, this type of bearing is easier to install. The central axis of a bidirectional thrust bearing should be fixed on the shaft to prevent relative rotation. The installation method of bearings is generally based on the rotation of the shaft, so the fit between the inner ring and the shaft is an over win fit, and the fit between the outer ring of the bearing and the bearing chamber is a clearance fit.

The thrust ball bearing adopts a design that can withstand thrust loads during high-speed operation, and is composed of a washer shaped ring with a rolling groove for the ball. Due to the cushion shaped ring, thrust ball bearings are divided into two types: flat bottomed cushion type and self-aligning spherical cushion type. In addition, this type of bearing can withstand axial loads, but cannot withstand radial loads.