NTN thrust ball bearings have balls enclosed in a cage between the shaft raceway washer that corresponds to the inner ring, and the housing raceway washer that corresponds to the outer ring. They can bear only single-direction axial loads. Axial loads can be supported in only one direction, and radial loads cannot be accommodated. These bearings are not suitable for high speed operation.
| Bearing series | Resin cage | Pressed cage | Machined cage |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| 511 | 51100 - 51107 | 51108 - 51152 | 51156 - 511/530 |
| 512 | 51200 - 51207 | 51208 - 51224 | 51226 - 51260 |
| 513 | - | 51305 - 51320 | 51322 - 51340 |
| 514 | - | 51405 - 51415 | 51416 - 51420 |