Radial bearings are generally known as which type?

• A. Journal Bearings
• B. Thrust Bearings
• C. Ball Bearings
• D. Roller Bearings

Answer: (A)

Radial loads are perpendicular to the shaft, and the bearing type that supports these loads in a plain, sliding configuration is the journal bearing. In this setup, the shaft (the journal) rotates inside a bearing surface with lubrication, forming an oil film that carries the radial force. Thrust bearings are built specifically to handle axial (along-the-shaft) loads, not radial. Ball and roller bearings are rolling-element types that can handle radial loading, but the common term for the traditional radial-bearing arrangement is journal bearings.