What are the three types of loads placed on bearings?

• A. Radial, Thrust, Combination
• B. Radial, Axial, Tangential
• C. Axial, Radial, Torsional
• D. Centripetal, Tangential, Radial

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that bearings carry forces in different directions: perpendicular to the shaft (radial), along the shaft (axial or thrust), and often a combination of both. A radial load comes from things like gear mesh, belts, or gravity acting to push the bearing sideways relative to the shaft. An axial or thrust load comes from forces trying to push the ends of the shaft together or apart, such as from gears or thrust washers rubbing against faces. In real machines, loads aren’t always pure; many situations produce both radial and axial components at once, so a combined radial and axial load is common. That’s why the three types of loads placed on bearings are radial, axial (thrust), and a combination of both. Other terms like tangential, torsional, or centripetal aren’t standard primary load categories for bearings in this context.