Single-sided angular contact thrust ball bearings are high precision bearings and feature angular raceways of shaft and housing washers and a resulting force-transferring contact angle. This contact angle has an angle of 60° and facilitates the absorption of high axial forces as well as radial and combined forces. Single-sided angular contact thrust ball bearings can only absorb axial forces from a single side. Combined with a second mirror-image arranged bearing, the absorption of axial forces from both sides is facilitated. Angular contact thrust ball bearings are very rigid and are suitable for high speed needs, but they cannot compensate misalignments.

Single-sided angular contact thrust ball bearings are not self-latching, so the roller cage assembly and the bearing washers can be installed separately.