A ball thrust bearing is a particular type of rotary ball bearing. Like other ball 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) which may be grooved the rolling balls elements which are typically caged. As opposed to roller thrust bearings, ball thrust bearings can generally operate at higher speeds but at lower loads.These bearings have balls enclosed in a cage between the shaft raceway washer that corresponds to the inner ring, and the housing raceway washer that corresponds to the outer ring. They can bear only single-direction axial loads.
 

Thrust ball bearings are separable bearings. The single-acting thrust ball bearing consists of a shaft washer, a housing washer and a ball set with cage. The double-acting type consists of a shaft washer (centre washer), two housing washers and two ball sets with cages. Thrust ball bearings can be applied for high axial loads and low to medium speeds.