A cylindrical roller thrust bearing is a particular type of roller bearing. Like other roller bearings, they permit rotation between parts, but they are designed to support a high axial load while doing this (parallel to the shaft). Higher speed applications require oil lubrication.Generally, they are composed of two washers (raceways) and the cylindrical roller elements which are typically caged. As opposed to roller thrust bearings, ball thrust bearings can generally operate at higher speeds but at lower loads.Cylindrical roller thrust bearings are designed to accommodate heavy axial loads and impact loads. They must not be subjected to any radial load. The bearings are very stiff and require little axial space.

These bearings use cylindrical rollers and have single-row, double-row, and three-row types for larger load capacities.They support axial loads only, are suited to high loads, and have high axial rigidity.