Thrust ball bearings are separable bearings. The single-acting thrust ball bearing consists of a shaft washer, a housing washer and a ball set with cage. The double-acting type consists of a shaft washer (centre washer), two housing washers and two ball sets with cages. Thrust ball bearings can be applied for high axial loads and low to medium speeds. However, they cannot take radial loads. They are sensitive to angular deflection and characterized by extremely rigid guidance in axial direction. Depending on speed, a minimum load is necessary to avoid sliding movements of the ball set, which are caused by centrifugal forces. To compensate for misalignments of the shaft, bearings with spherical housing washers and support washers should be used.