Aerospace Bearings and How They Work

In this blog, we will provide an informative overview of bearings, covering their design and functionality, as well as the unique features that distinguish aerospace bearings from more conventional options. We will also explore the main assemblies they support in aircraft, discussing the common types that are used to promote the most efficient flight operations.

What Are Bearings?

Put simply, bearings are mechanical devices that are designed to reduce friction between moving parts in an assembly while supporting various radial or axial loads that are exerted during operations. By facilitating controlled motion and supporting loads, they enable numerous machines to operate efficiently, reliably, and with minimal wear.

Their Basic Design and Functionality

• Rolling Elements: Most bearings harness rolling elements like balls or rollers that distribute loads and reduce surface contact friction.
• Inner and Outer Rings: Structural rings are used to encase rolling elements and provide a track for their movement.
• Cage/Retainer: Rolling elements are able to maintain spacing and alignment through the use of a cage or retainer.
• Lubrication: Many bearings utilize grease or oil to reduce friction, prevent overheating, and protect against corrosion.

What Makes Aerospace Bearings Special?

While the core design of bearings remains consistent across industries, aerospace bearings in particular are engineered to meet far more demanding requirements than their industrial counterparts.

Their Unique Features

• High-Strength Materials: To withstand the extreme temperatures, loads, and stressors expected of aerospace operations, relevant bearings are typically manufactured from stainless steel, ceramic hybrids, or other advanced alloys.
• Lightweight Construction: Aerospace bearings are generally optimized for reduced mass to improve aircraft fuel efficiency and overall performance.
• Tight Tolerances: These hardware components are machined with extraordinary precision to ensure minimal vibration and maximum reliability during operations.
• Corrosion Resistance: Unlike conventional bearings, those used in aerospace settings are safeguarded against exposure to corrosive agents like hydraulic fluids or jet fuel.
• Certification Standards: Aerospace bearings are engineered to comply with rigorous aerospace standards and FAA regulations.

These various characteristics allow aerospace bearings to operate reliably in conditions where ordinary bearings would fail.

What Aerospace Assemblies Are Supported by Bearings?

Bearings are ubiquitous in aircraft, supporting structural and dynamic systems alike. As such, their role is not limited to enabling motion, rather extending into promoting stability, reducing wear, and optimizing energy efficiency.

Common Assemblies That Rely on Bearings

• Engines: Bearings reduce friction in turbines, compressors, and accessory gearboxes, enabling efficient thrust generation and engine operation.
• Landing Gear: Bearings support heavy loads during takeoff, landing, and taxiing, absorbing extreme impact forces that might otherwise damage landing gear.
• Flight Control Systems: Bearings allow accurate articulation of ailerons, elevators, and rudders.
• Avionics and Instruments: Miniature bearings are regularly used in gyroscopes, sensors, and actuators to support navigation and control.
• Cabin and Auxiliary Systems: Bearings support seat adjustment mechanisms, galley equipment, and environmental control systems to benefit cabin operations.

Common Types of Aerospace Bearings

Aerospace bearings come in many forms to support diverse loads and needs, with the following being some of the most common types found throughout aviation applications.

Ball Bearings

Ball bearings are notable for their use of spherical rolling elements that are placed between inner and outer rings. With high-speed performance, smooth operation, and versatility in supporting rolling and axial loads alike, these bearings are common in engines, pumps, and accessory gearboxes.

Roller Bearings

Roller bearings constitute a broad category of variations that utilize cylindrical, tapered, or needle-shaped rollers instead of balls. This promotes superior load-carrying capacities on average, especially when handling heavier radial loads. Generally speaking, one will find roller bearings throughout landing gear, wing structures, and high-load engine assemblies.

Thrust Bearings

Thrust bearings are a specialized option that are utilized for managing axial loads that occur along the shaft. This makes them essential for turbine shafts and other various axial load-dominant assemblies, promoting stable operation at high rotational speeds.

Miniature Bearings

Miniature bearings are another specialized option that feature small diameters and ultra-tight tolerances. With high accuracy, reliability, and efficiency in compact spaces, such bearings are prevalent in aircraft instruments, actuators, avionics systems, and beyond.

Procure Aerospace Bearings on Parts 3Sixty

Aerospace bearings may be small components, but their impact on aviation safety and performance is substantial. From enabling smooth engine operation to supporting critical landing gear assemblies, these bearings exemplify the precision and reliability demanded in aerospace engineering. For those seeking dependable aerospace bearings and hardware, Parts 3Sixty is an unrivaled option for procurement, our platform offering access to a wide selection of quality-assured items that are sourced exclusively from trusted manufacturers and suppliers. 

With curated catalogs to browse our wide-ranging stock, we encourage you to take your time narrowing down items of interest. Once you are ready to make a purchase, we ask that you fill out and submit a Request for Quote (RFQ) form through our website, our industry experts leveraging the information you provide to formulate the most fitting options. To see all that we can do for you, get in touch with our staff today!

1. mark jones
2. Posted on October 6, 2025
aerospace