Thrust bearing with tilting pad

A thrust bearing for an electric submersible pump, comprising:

• a housing comprising an axial surface, an inner circumferential surface, and first conical surfaces, wherein bores are formed in the axial surface;
• pads each comprising fluid interface surfaces and second conical surfaces, wherein two open counterbores are formed in each of the pads, and wherein the inner circumferential surface radially constrains the pads;
• balls each engaging one of the first conical surfaces and one of the second conical surfaces;
• and
• retaining bolts extending through the bores and the open counterbores to retain the pads.

A thrust bearing for an electric submersible pump, comprising:

• a housing comprising an axial surface and an inner circumferential surface, wherein holes and bores are formed in the axial surface;
• sockets comprising first conical surfaces, wherein the sockets are disposed in the holes;
• pads each comprising fluid interface surfaces and second conical surfaces, wherein two open counterbores are formed in each of the pads, and wherein the inner circumferential surface radially constrains the pads;
• balls each engaging one of the first conical surfaces and one of the second conical surfaces;
• and
• retaining bolts extending through the bores and the open counterbores to retain the pads.