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Do You Know Sliding Contact Bearing Types

11 Published by admin Oct 19,2026

Sliding contact bearings (plain bearings) work by direct sliding friction between the shaft and bearing surface, separated by a lubricant film if possible.

1. By Load of Direction of Sliding Contact Bearing Types

✅ Radial Bearings (Journal Bearings)

Carry loads perpendicular to the shaft axis, support rotating shafts.

Solid journal bearing: one-piece sleeve, simple, low cost.
Split journal bearing: split into two halves, easy assembly/disassembly (common in engines).
Bushed bearing: housing fitted with a thin replaceable liner/bush.

✅ Thrust Bearings

Carry loads along the shaft axis (axial load).

Flat pivot bearing
Step bearing
Collar thrust bearing (multiple collars for heavy axial load)

✅ Combined Radial + Thrust Bearings

Take both radial and axial loads at the same time.

Sliding Contact Bearing

2. By Lubrication Regime of Sliding Contact Bearing Types

Hydrodynamic Bearings

A thick continuous lubricant film forms automatically by shaft rotation; no metal-to-metal contact during operation.

Journal bearing
Michell / Tilting pad bearing (for heavy load, high speed, turbines)

Hydrostatic Bearings

Lubricant is pumped in under external high pressure to create the oil film. Works even at zero speed; high precision.

Boundary Lubricated Bearings

Only a very thin molecular lubricant film. Partial metal contact occurs. Low speed, light load.

Dry Bearings (Self-lubricating bearings)

No liquid lubricant. Made from self-lubricating materials: PTFE, graphite, sintered bronze (oil-impregnated).

Sliding Contact Bearing Factory

3. By Construction of Sliding Contact Bearing Types

Sleeve / Bush Bearing: Cylindrical bush fitted into housing, most common simple plain bearing.
Split Bearing: Two half-shells (bearing shells), used in crankshafts.
Pivot Bearing: Shaft end rests on a flat or conical surface (small thrust loads).
Tilt Pad Bearing: Segmented pads that tilt to form stable oil wedge, used for high-speed heavy machinery.