A spherical roller thrust bearing is a rolling-element bearing of thrust type that permits rotation with low friction, and permits angular misalignment. The bearing is designed to take radial loads, and heavy axial loads in one direction. Typically these bearings support a rotating shaft in the bore of the shaft washer that may be misaligned in respect to the housing washer. The misalignment is possible due to the spherical internal shape of the house washer.

Spherical roller thrust bearings have specially designed raceways and asymmetrical rollers. The bearings can accommodate axial loads acting in one direction and simultaneously acting radial loads. The load is transmitted between the raceways via the rollers at an angle to the bearing axis, while the flange guides the rollers