Thrust Bearing is installed to take up the thrust from the propeller which is then transmitted to the ships hull and cause the ship to propel in the direction of thrust. It is fitted at the aft end of the main engine shaft. It is a tilting pad type with the thrust collar integral with thrust shaft. In main engine thrust pads are provided at both fore and aft ends of the thrust collar and are white metal lined. the back of the pad has a radial ridge which forms a fulcrum on which the pad can tilt. the tilting fulcrum on the back of the pad comes in contact with a solidly constructed housing which in turn is held by thrust bearing casing.
When the shaft revolves, the oil supplied by the system revolve along with the thrust collar. due to this oil wedge forms between the collar and the pads which tilt to self adjust. Good radius on the leading edge of the thrust pad is essential for oil wedge build up or else leading edge actas oil scraper and bearing will not function. Hence radial ridges on the back of the pad which becomes the fulcrum for the tilting action is often made off centre.
Temperature of bearing should be checked which gives indication of condition of bearing.
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