What type of bearing can handle both axial and radial loads simultaneously?

The ability to handle both axial and radial loads makes taper roller bearings a versatile choice in various machinery applications. Taper roller bearings are designed with tapered inner and outer rings, which allow them to accommodate loads acting in both directions. The geometry of the tapered rollers creates a larger contact area with the raceways, thus providing better support for combined loads.

When axial loads are applied, the design of taper roller bearings enables them to distribute the load efficiently across the roller surfaces, reducing wear and extending the bearing's lifespan. This versatility is particularly important in applications such as automotive wheel hubs and industrial equipment, where both types of loads are common.

In contrast, plain bearings and ball bearings typically do not handle axial loads as effectively. Plain bearings primarily accommodate radial loads, while ball bearings are generally better suited for radial loads and may struggle under significant axial loads, unless specifically designed to do so. Cylindrical roller bearings can handle radial loads well but generally do not support axial loads as efficiently as taper roller bearings, which is why the taper roller bearing is the correct answer in this scenario.