A combined needle roller bearing is a special type of bearing that features a compact, integrated design that can accommodate both radial and axial loads.

It combines:
A needle roller bearing (for radial loads)
A thrust bearing (for axial loads)
These two components are assembled into a single unit, saving space and simplifying mechanical installation.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of combined needle roller bearings?

Advantages of Combined Needle Roller Bearings:

Compact design
They combine radial and axial bearing elements in a single unit, saving space and reducing the number of components.
High load capacity
Needle rollers can accommodate high radial loads, while the thrust element supports axial loads—making them ideal for combined load applications.
Weight reduction
The compact design and use of needle rollers help minimize the overall bearing weight compared to using separate bearings.
Easy assembly
The combined unit eliminates the need for multiple separate components, simplifying installation.
Wide range of applications
They are widely used in gearboxes, automotive transmissions, construction machinery, and industrial equipment subject to both radial and axial loads. Cost-Effective Integrated Design
For machinery that needs to accommodate loads in two directions within a confined space, a combined bearing may be more cost-effective than installing two separate bearings.

Disadvantages of Combined Needle Roller Bearings:

Limited Speed Capacity
Due to their design and the contact between the needle rollers, these bearings are not suitable for high-speed operation.
Sensitive to Misalignment
They are less tolerant of shaft or housing misalignment, which can lead to increased wear or failure.
Higher Friction
Needle roller bearings exhibit greater friction than ball bearings, especially under axial loads.
Precision Mounting Required
Misalignment or incorrect installation can quickly degrade performance and life.
Lubrication Dependency
They require reliable lubrication to operate properly. Inadequate lubrication may cause premature wear or damage.
Limited Axial Load Capacity
While they can accommodate axial loads, their load capacity is lower than that of dedicated thrust bearings.
Higher Cost than Single Bearings
While compact, the integrated design can be more expensive than individual radial or thrust bearings.

Can Combined Needle Roller Bearings handle radial loads only?

Can Combined Needle Roller Bearings only handle radial loads? No, combined needle roller bearings are specifically designed to accommodate both radial and axial loads, not just radial loads.

Here’s how they work:

The needle roller assembly carries radial loads (loads perpendicular to the shaft).
The thrust bearing component (which can be a thrust ball bearing, thrust roller bearing, or thrust washer) carries axial loads (loads parallel to the shaft).
However, they aren’t designed solely for radial loads—their true strength lies in applications with both radial and axial loads.
If you need help comparing bearing types for your specific use case, please let me know.
Whether you’re an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), distributor, or end user, we offer a full range of sizes and custom options. With strict quality control and global shipping support, NSAR Bearings‘ combined needle roller bearings are trusted by industries around the world. Contact us today for our lowest quote.