Shim thrust bearing apparatus

A thrust bearing having a central aperture, comprising:

• a) a plurality of bearing elements;
• b) a thrust cage assembly for retaining said bearing elements;
• c) washer means for restraining said thrust cage assembly;
• and
• d) a spacer having engagement surfaces adjoining said washer means,
• wherein said spacer further includes internal lip means projecting into said central aperture for retention on a shaft passing therethrough.

A thrust bearing, comprising:

• a) a plurality of bearing elements;
• b) a thrust cage assembly for retaining said bearing elements;
• c) a washer means for restraining said thrust cage assembly;
• and
• d) a spacer having engagement surfaces adjoining said washer means, said spacer having an external circumference,
• wherein said spacer further includes external lip means projecting outward of said circumference for retention in a bore.

A thrust bearing adapted to be installed coaxially with respect to a mounting member having a predetermined radial dimension, comprising:

• a) a plurality of bearing elements;
• b) a thrust cage assembly for retaining said bearing elements;
• c) a washer having a radial dimension substantially corresponding to the radial dimension of said mounting member so as to permit accurate piloting and coaxial alignment therewith;
• and
• d) an annular spacer axially adjoining said washer, said spacer including radially projecting means for frictionally engaging said mounting member, said projecting means being radially deflectable such that the radial dimension of said spacer will correspond substantially to the radial dimension of said washer when installed on said mounting member.