Thrust bearings absorb axial loads from rotating shafts into the stationary housings or mounts in which they are turning. Axial loads are those transmitted linearly along the shaft. ... Thrust bearings are also used in power drills, where the user puts their weight into a rotating bit to drill through tough materials.

A thrust bearing is a particular type of rotary bearing. Like other bearings they permit rotation between parts, but they are designed to support a predominantly axial load. ... Thrust ball bearings, composed of bearing balls supported in a ring, can be used in low thrust applications where there is little axial load.

Bearings support a shaft or housing to permit their free motion about an axis of rotation. Load can be applied to bearings in either of two basic directions. Radial loads act at right angles to the shaft (bearing's axis of rotation). Axial (thrust) acts parallel to the axis of rotation.