🔍 Key Concepts

• Look closely at the shape of the raceways (grooves) on both sides of the balls • Recall the difference between a radial ball bearing and a thrust bearing and which directions of load they can support • Notice whether the bearing has shoulders or grooves on one side only or on both sides of the balls

💭 Think About

• If thrust is applied from left to right, which surfaces of the inner and outer raceways will resist that force? Sketch the load path in your mind. • Would reversing the direction of thrust (right to left) change which raceway shoulders are available to carry the load, based on the geometry shown? • Ask yourself whether this design is meant only for radial loads or is also capable of taking axial (thrust) loads, and in how many directions.

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify whether both sides of each ball are captured in deep grooves or if one side is more open. • Check if there is a matching groove/shoulder on both the left and right sides of the inner and outer races that could resist axial movement. • Confirm whether the overall construction looks like a pure radial bearing or a deep‑groove/ball bearing that can take axial thrust.