Multi-ball thrust bearing arrangement

A thrust bearing comprising:

• a first race;
• a second race positioned opposite the first race, wherein the second race is arranged for rotation relative to the first race about an axis of rotation;
• a plurality of rolling elements positioned between the first race and the second race;
• and
• a cage positioned between the first race and the second race and configured to engage with the rolling elements to align the rolling elements into a plurality of rows, the rows circumferentially spaced apart from one another, wherein each row of rolling elements extends radially along an axis extending through the axis of rotation;
• wherein each row of rolling elements includes at least two rolling elements;
• wherein the cage includes a body and a plurality of pockets formed into the body, and wherein the pockets are configured to receive the rolling elements and engage with the rolling elements to align the rolling elements into the rows, and wherein each pocket defines an opening through the body of the cage that is sized to receive one or more rolling elements;
• wherein the plurality of pockets includes a first plurality of pockets and a second plurality of pockets, wherein each pocket of the first plurality of pockets receives a single rolling element, and wherein each pocket of the second plurality of pockets receives multiple rolling elements;
• and
• wherein each of the first plurality of pockets is positioned circumferentially adjacent to a pocket of the second plurality of pockets.