Abstract: The cageless thrust bearing with unguided cylindrical rollers comprises a pair of thrust bearing races with axially separated flat thrust raceways. Cylindrical rollers all having the same diameter are located between the separated flat thrust raceways. The spacing of the rollers is such that the rollers become radially aligned in the bearing under a rotating thrust load, without side or end guidance of the rollers.

Abstract: The separator ring to be used with thrust bearings is an annular member with a plurality of circumferentially separated roller engaging portions. The rollers have outer ends constructed to mate with the roller end engaging portions of the annular member. The roller engaging portions on the annular member may be protrusions extending radially inwardly toward the axis of the bearing with the rollers having depressions on the outer ends for receiving the protrusions or alternatively, the roller engaging portions may be radially outwardly extending depressions with the rollers having outer surfaces which fit into the depressions.