What are the three types of loads placed on bearings?

• A. Radial
• B. Thrust
• C. Combination
• D. Radial, Thrust, and Combination

Answer: (D)

Loads on bearings fall into three forms: radial, thrust (axial), and a combination of the two. Radial loads act perpendicular to the bearing axis and tend to push the inner and outer races apart or cause bending in the shaft. Thrust loads act along the axis of the bearing, pushing or pulling the bearing along the shaft. In many machines, both types occur at the same time, producing a combination load that includes radial and axial components. Since real equipment often encounters both radial and axial forces, the most complete and correct description is that bearings experience radial, thrust, and combination loads. The other options each describe only one type of load, missing either the axial or the radial component or both.