Combined roller bearings consist of a radial needle roller bearing combined with a thrust bearing. They can accommodate both radial and axial loads. They are particularly suitable for applications where other types of locating bearing arrangements occupy too much space, or where the axial loads are too heavy, the speeds are too high, or the lubricant is inadequate for arrangements with simple thrust washers. 

Combination bearings contain two different types of rolling elements that work together to carry radial and thrust loads. One type of rolling element, called a roller, is shaped like a barrel or cylinder. The other type of rolling element, called a ball bearing, is shaped like a sphere. Various roller and ball combinations are available for specific applications. Radial needle rollers combined with angular contact balls handle high radial and axial loads in one direction. Rolling mill bearings use both tapered and cylindrical rolling elements. They contain a double row of tapered roller bearing in between a pair of single row cylindrical roller bearings. Other common types of combination roller bearing include radial needle roller bearings and cylindrical roller thrust bearings in one assembly.