Three types of loads placed on bearings are __________,__________and__________.

• A. Radial, thrust, and combination
• B. Radial, axial, and torsional
• C. Radial, circumferential, and radial
• D. Radial, thrust, and shear

Answer: (A)

Bearings are designed to carry loads that can act in different directions relative to the shaft. The main categories are radial loads, which act perpendicular to the shaft; axial loads (also called thrust), which act along the shaft axis; and a combination of both when both components are present. The best answer lists radial, thrust, and combination because it covers all common load scenarios a bearing might experience.

Other terms like circumferential or shear aren’t standard primary bearing load directions, and torsional refers to twisting or torque rather than a separate load direction on the bearing.