Which type of bearing can sustain both axial and radial loads?

Tapered roller bearings are specifically designed to handle both axial and radial loads effectively. Their unique design includes tapered-shaped rollers that make contact with the bearing raceway at an angle. This configuration enables the bearing to accommodate forces that are directed parallel to the axis of the bearing (axial loads) as well as those that act perpendicular to the axis (radial loads). This dual functionality allows tapered roller bearings to be widely used in applications where there are significant forces in both directions, such as in automotive wheel hubs and gearboxes.

On the other hand, while ball bearings can handle some axial loads, they are primarily used for radial loads and do not perform as well as tapered roller bearings in applications requiring both types of load support. Plain bearings and sliding bearings typically do not handle axial loads well, focusing on either radial or sliding surfaces with limited axial capability. Therefore, the ability of tapered roller bearings to simultaneously support both types of loads makes them the correct choice in this context.