Where is the thrust bearing located in a car?
4 Answers
The thrust bearing in a car is located on top of the shock absorber. Here is some information about thrust bearings: 1. A thrust bearing consists of a planar retainer assembly with needles, cylindrical rollers, or steel balls, along with planar washers. 2. In an assembly, thrust bearings primarily withstand axial loads. Precautions for installing thrust bearings: 1. During installation, it is necessary to distinguish between the tight ring and loose ring of the bearing. The difference in inner diameter is approximately 0.1-0.3mm. 2. Regardless of the situation, the loose ring of the bearing should always rest against the end face of the stationary component.
For someone who often fixes cars themselves, I know the location of the plain bearing very well. It's inside the front suspension system of the car, usually at the top of the MacPherson strut or near the steering knuckle. When you turn your wheels, it's the part that allows the axle to rotate smoothly. I've encountered wear on my own car twice—it squeaked every time I turned, which was really annoying. That's when I knew I had to check it. After removing the wheel and suspension cover, I saw the bearing there wasn't rotating properly. I suggest you check it regularly too, especially when there are many potholes on the road, as the bearing wears out faster. Not replacing it in time could lead to steering lock-up, which is quite dangerous. If you're doing it yourself, be careful of the spring flying off—it's safer to use a professional tool. Replacing a new bearing costs just a few hundred bucks but saves a lot of trouble.
When commuting by car daily, I'm most concerned about safety. The plain bearing is located in the front suspension area, near the wheels, responsible for helping the steering system turn flexibly. The most obvious signs of failure are clunking sounds when turning or the steering wheel becoming stiff - I experienced this once on the highway and immediately slowed down to visit a repair shop. The mechanic said bearings in that position often fail due to dust or overheating. I believe regular maintenance is crucial, such as checking suspension components every few tens of thousands of kilometers, otherwise there's significant risk of steering failure. Replacing the bearing isn't expensive, but it requires professional handling to ensure safety comes first.
I've only been driving for a few years, and I've heard mechanics talk about the position of the thrust bearing. It's located in the suspension system near the front wheels of the car, and its main function is to make the wheels turn more smoothly. More specifically, it's at the strut or chassis connection point. What I've learned is that if it's broken, there will be strange noises when turning or the steering wheel will feel unstable, and that's when you need to go to the repair shop for a check. I remember that time when my car made strange noises, the mechanic opened it up and pointed at the bearing, saying it was worn out. After replacing it, the car became much quieter. Beginners shouldn't try to fix it themselves; it's better to seek professional help for peace of mind.
