Thrust bearing

A method of operating a thrust bearing comprising:

• applying an axial load in a first relative direction to a thrust bearing, the thrust bearing comprising:
• first and second bearing assemblies rotatable relative to each other;
• and
• a plurality of axially arranged bearing stages formed between the first and second bearing assemblies, wherein each bearing stage comprises:
• a first load shoulder provided on the first bearing assembly;
• a second load shoulder provided on the second bearing assembly;
• a bearing structure defined between the first and second load shoulders;
• and
• an extrudable component forming part of the bearing structure;
• the method further comprising:
• transmitting the axial load between respective pairs of first and second load shoulders via the extrudable components of respective bearing structures;
• wherein the extrudable components provide for load balancing between each bearing stage.

A method of manufacturing a thrust bearing comprising:

• providing first and second bearing assemblies for relative rotation with each other;
• providing a plurality of axially arranged bearing stages between each of the first and second bearing assemblies, wherein each bearing stage is provided with:
• a first load shoulder on the first bearing assembly;
• a second load shoulder on the second bearing assembly;
• a bearing structure defined between the first and second load shoulders;
• and
• an extrudable component forming part of the bearing structure,
• wherein the extrudable components are provided for load balancing between each bearing stage.