Rolling bearings are divided into two categories according to the main load direction:

Radial bearing

Radial bearings are capable of carrying loads perpendicular to the shaft. Some radial bearings can only carry purely radial loads, while most radial bearings can also carry axial loads in one direction and, in some cases, both directions.

Thrust bearings

Thrust bearings mainly bear loads along the axial direction. Depending on the design, thrust bearings can support purely axial loads in one or both directions , but some can additionally carry radial loads. Thrust bearings cannot achieve the same high speeds as radial bearings of the same size.

The contact angle determines which category the bearing belongs to. Bearings with a contact angle ≤ 45° are radial bearings, others are thrust bearings.