Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to a fluid bearing for a journal, one being a polymer bearing pad with an outer surface, at least one recess for receiving lubricating fluid from a base of the fluid bearing and distributing the lubricating fluid to the outer surface and a mount for securely mounting the polymer bearing pad to the base. Other improvements include a fluid bearing with the polymer bearing pad, steps for making the polymer bearing pad and fluid bearing, a fluid bearing with a polymer bearing pad having a chamfer and a multidirectional fluid bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides improvements to a fluid bearing (11, 12) for a journal (4), one being a polymer bearing pad (17) comprising an outer surface (13), at least one recess (18) for receiving lubricating fluid from a base (14) of said fluid bearing and distributing said lubricating fluid to said outer surface and a mounting means (8, 18A) for securely mounting said polymer bearing pad to said base. Other improvements include a fluid bearing (11, 12) comprising the polymer bearing pad (17), methods of making the polymer bearing pad and fluid bearing, a fluid bearing comprising a polymer bearing pad (17) having a chamfer (37) and a multidirectional fluid bearing (70).