🔍 Key Concepts

• Radial load vs. thrust (axial) load capabilities of different roller bearings • How tapered, spherical, and cylindrical roller shapes affect the direction of load they can carry • Which bearing designs are specifically intended for combined (radial + thrust) loads vs. mostly radial loads

💭 Think About

• For each bearing type listed, ask: Is this design commonly used to take axial (thrust) loads, or is it mainly for radial loads? • Think about the shape of the rollers: which shapes naturally resist side (axial) forces, and which shapes mainly support loads straight in toward the shaft center? • Eliminate any bearing type you know is often used where there are significant combined radial and axial loads, such as in wheel hubs or gear shafts.

✅ Before You Answer

• Be sure you can define radial load (toward the center of the shaft) vs. thrust/axial load (along the shaft axis) in your own words before choosing. • Identify which designs—tapered or spherical—are specifically known to handle thrust loads; these are less likely to be "limited to radial" applications. • Confirm which roller type has no intentional angle to carry thrust, focusing almost entirely on radial support.