Ball bearings are described as supporting which loads?

Ball bearings are described as supporting which loads?

• A. Radial loads only
• B. Axial loads only
• C. Drive shaft loads only
• D. Radial and axial loads

Answer: (D)

Ball bearings carry loads through rolling contact between balls and the inner and outer races. Because that contact geometry can transmit force in both directions, they can handle forces perpendicular to the shaft (radial loads) as well as along the shaft (axial or thrust loads), depending on the bearing design. Some bearings are optimized for higher axial loads in one direction, but overall ball bearings are described as supporting both radial and axial loads. This is why the best answer is that they support radial and axial loads.

Ball bearings carry loads through rolling contact between balls and the inner and outer races. Because that contact geometry can transmit force in both directions, they can handle forces perpendicular to the shaft (radial loads) as well as along the shaft (axial or thrust loads), depending on the bearing design. Some bearings are optimized for higher axial loads in one direction, but overall ball bearings are described as supporting both radial and axial loads. This is why the best answer is that they support radial and axial loads.