Abstract: A bearing assembly for a shaft or similar that is axially guided with precision in a housing. The shaft is stressed to differing degrees and/or for different periods of time in the two axial directions. The bearing assembly has a single-row angular contact ball bearing and a single-row cylindrical roller bearing. The angular contact ball bearing is designed to receive the greater main axial load that is exerted during operation, whilst the smaller axial force that acts in opposition is absorbed by the cylindrical roller bearing in addition to the radial forces. The quantity of equipment required to absorb the small axial force that in general is only exerted periodically can be kept to a minimum. In addition, a predefined axial play is pre-set in the unit and a defined lateral ring overhang is set between the inner and outer ring.