Single Direction Thrust ball bearings consist of three separable parts:The Shaft Washer,The Housing Washer. The Ball and Cage Assembly.
The 51000 Series Single Direction Thrust Ball Bearing has a Ball and Cage Assembly sandwiched between the ground ball track of the Housing Washer and the ground ball track of the Shaft Washer, contacting both rings at a 90-degree angle. These bearings are generally used in low speed applications and must be lubricated at installation with the appropriate grease or oil.
Featuring the same construction as KML Bearing USA’s Metric Single Row Deep Groove Radial ball bearings, the inner ring, outer ring and balls are produced using vacuum degassed 52100 bearing steel. After production, they are heat treat hardened to produce a durable wear surface on the balls and ball tracks. All ball retainers and shields are manufactured from cold rolled steel.

Although non-lubricated at the factory, KML Bearing USA suggests that Single Direction Thrust Ball Bearings be treated similar to other Single Row Deep Groove (SRDG) ball bearings. As with other KML Bearing USA ball bearings, a high temperature ball and roller bearing grease, such as Chevron SRI#2, provides sufficient protection, even in severe applications and harsh environments. Because Single Direction Thrust Ball Bearings are considered to be “open” bearings, exposed to the environment, care must be taken to maintain the life of these ball bearings.