A cylindrical roller thrust bearing is a particular type of roller bearing. Like other roller bearings, they permit rotation between parts, but they are designed to support a high axial load while doing this (parallel to the shaft). Higher speed applications require oil lubrication. Generally, they are composed of two washers (raceways) and the cylindrical roller elements which are typically caged. As opposed to roller thrust bearings, ball thrust bearings can generally operate at higher speeds but at lower loads.

Some important factors when selecting a cylindrical roller thrust bearings from : Thrust bearings must be kept in matched sets. The bore (d dimensions) of one washer (smaller) in the set will conform to the specifications. The bore (d dimension) of the mating washer will be ~ .007” larger because it is a clearance hole for the shaft. Cylindrical roller thrust bearings currently start with bore sizes from 45 mm and go up to 360 mm with outer diameters from 64 mm to 440 mm.

The cylindrical roller thrust bearings are designed to accommodate heavy axial loads and impact loads. They must not be subjected to any radial load. The bearings are very stiff and require little axial space.