A crankshaft is an engine part that converts linear, or straight-line, piston motion into rotational motion. The crankshaft thrust bearing eliminates friction in the shaft.
The crankshaft thrust bearing provides a surface on which a liquid film is formed via a lubricant, such as engine oil. This film diverts heat that is created from friction due to the moving parts of the crankshaft.
To convert reciprocating, or linear, piston motion into rotation, the crankshaft contains crank pins, or thrust-bearing surfaces which absorb the axial load presented by the moving shaft. An axial load is caused by a rotating shaft moving along its length, or the point where the connecting rods from each cylinder attach.
The crankshaft is supported by several crankshaft thrust bearings. The location of the bearings is tailored to contain the radial load, or force placed on the crankshaft by rotating in place. Thrust bearings can be placed on either side of the crankshaft or in the center, depending on the application.
