Abstract: A thrust bearing for a turbocharger includes a bearing body having a bearing surface extending parallel to a collar of a rotating shaft. The bearing body defines a central bore through which the rotating shaft extends. The thrust bearing includes tapered lands formed in the bearing surface at spaced arcuate locations extending radially outward of the second bore. Each tapered land includes a first ramp extending from within the bearing body to the bearing surface along a gradient, a flat extending from the first ramp along the bearing surface, and a second ramp extending from the flat into the bearing body along the gradient. Rotation of the shaft and the collar in either direction equally pressurizes a working fluid between the collar and the bearing surface.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a product for use with a turbocharger system may include a housing with a rotor wheel rotatable relative to the housing. The rotor wheel may have a front face with blades disposed in a gas stream and a back wall facing the housing. The rotor wheel may generate thrust loads. A thrust bearing may be positioned on the housing and may face the back wall. The thrust bearing may be configured to directly absorb the thrust loads from the rotor wheel.