Needle thrust bearings or needle cylinders are single or double row assemblies consisting of cages and needle rollers. In view of the radial overall height of a needle thrust bearing combined with the diameter of the needle rollers, needle cylinders allow bearing rings requiring minimal radial installation space. They have a high load capacity, are suitable for high speeds and are also easy to assemble.
If the races are designed in accordance with the specifications, bearing rings with a high degree of precision are achieved. The radial bearing clearance can be influenced by the type of needle, as well as by the shaft and housing tolerance selected. Hardened and ground races on the shaft and in the housing are required for needle cylinders.
