Like self-aligning roller bearings, thrust self-aligning roller bearings have raceways on the housing that are spherical surfaces centered on a point coinciding with the bearing’s central axis. The rollers in these bearings are spherical, giving them self-aligning capabilities and making them relatively insensitive to misalignment and shaft deflection. These bearings have a very high axial load capacity and can withstand some radial load while bearing axial loads; however, the radial load must not exceed 55% of the axial load. Thrust self-aligning roller bearings have a large contact angle and can withstand extremely high axial loads. Machined brass cages are typically used to precisely guide the rollers.

These bearings are primarily used in hydroelectric generators, vertical motors, marine propeller shafts, tower cranes, extruders, automotive drivetrains, transmissions, gearboxes, speed reducers, metallurgical rolling equipment, and mining crushing and conveying equipment.