Thrust Washers Worth Adding to Your Toolbox

Thrust washers and snap rings keep shafts centered, reduce wear, and make maintenance simpler. Carry compact kits that cover common axles, tight shafts, drivetrain fits, and small-engine rebuilds.

Match material hardness to the shaft, double-check diameters and thickness, and align grooves or tabs during installation. Read on for practical fitment tips that help parts run smooth and last longer.

Our Top Thrust Washer Picks

Thrust Washer & Snap Ring Kit for Ford Super Duty Sporthfish Thrust Washer Snap Ring Kit Compatible with Ford Super Best for Heavy-Duty TrucksApplication / Fitment: Front axle (Dana 50/60) for 1998–2005 Ford Super Duty & Excursion (leaf-spring 4×4)Purpose / Function: Provide clearance and reduce friction at outer stub axle; enable proper front-axle operationMaterial / Construction: Metal and plastic components (OE-dimension metal/plastic washers and snap rings)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
uxcell Needle Roller Bearings with Washers (8 Sets) uxcell 8 Sets TC815+2TRA Thrust Needle Roller Bearings with Washers, Great Value PackApplication / Fitment: General thrust needle-roller bearing use where washers serve as raceways (generic/mechanical assemblies)Purpose / Function: Handle axial (thrust) loads in a single direction; reduce friction using rollers + washersMaterial / Construction: Chrome steel needle rollers; washers (material not specified)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
Spicer 38106 Thrust Washer Spicer 38106 Thrust Washer OEM ReliabilityApplication / Fitment: General replacement thrust washer (Spicer OE-style) — unspecified application (2.8″ diameter)Purpose / Function: Provide thrust load support and durability as OE-style thrust washerMaterial / Construction: Metal (uncoated) thrust washerVIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
DNJ TW400 Thrust Washer for 1.3L–1.8L L4 Engines DNJ TW400 Thrust Washer for 1986-2005 Ford, Kia, Mazda, Mercury Engine-Specific FitApplication / Fitment: Engine thrust washer for 1.3L–1.8L L4 engines (1986–2005 Ford/Kia/Mazda/Mercury)Purpose / Function: Control crank/valve train thrust in small L4 engines (engine maintenance)Material / Construction: Metal engine-grade thrust washer (DNJ manufactured)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis
DNJ TW193 Thrust Washers for Hyundai & Kia Engines DNJ TW193 Thrust Washers for 2011-2017, Hyundai, Kia, Elantra, Elantra Hyundai/Kia ReplacementApplication / Fitment: Engine thrust washers for 1.8L–2.0L Hyundai & Kia models (2011–2017)Purpose / Function: Control thrust on crank/valve train for specified Hyundai/Kia engines (engine maintenance)Material / Construction: Metal engine-grade thrust washers (DNJ manufactured)VIEW LATEST PRICERead Our Analysis

More Details on Our Top Picks

  1. Thrust Washer & Snap Ring Kit for Ford Super Duty

    Sporthfish Thrust Washer Snap Ring Kit Compatible with Ford Super

    Best for Heavy-Duty Trucks

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    Should you work on Ford Super Duty front axles, this thrust washer and snap ring kit is the practical choice that’ll save you time and worry. You’ll find a complete set that fits F250 through F550 and Excursion models from 1998 to 2005, for Dana 50 and Dana 60 outer axles. It includes ten pieces: two 47766 washers, six 701166X washers, and two 620142 snap rings, supplied in pairs for each side. You’ll slide washers onto the stub shaft, orient grooves inward on 47766 parts, then secure with snap-ring pliers. The metal and plastic parts match OEM size for long service.

    • Application / Fitment:Front axle (Dana 50/60) for 1998–2005 Ford Super Duty & Excursion (leaf-spring 4×4)
    • Purpose / Function:Provide clearance and reduce friction at outer stub axle; enable proper front-axle operation
    • Material / Construction:Metal and plastic components (OE-dimension metal/plastic washers and snap rings)
    • Quantity / Packaging:Kit of 10 pieces (pairs; includes 8 thrust washers + 2 snap rings)
    • Fitment Specificity:Highly specific — exact axle models and years (Ford Super Duty/Dana 50/60; 1998–2005)
    • Intended Replacement / OEM Orientation:OEM replacement (lists OEM numbers 701166X, 47766, 620142)
    • Additional Feature:Includes outer snap rings
    • Additional Feature:Supplied in left/right pairs
    • Additional Feature:OEM replacement numbers listed
  2. uxcell Needle Roller Bearings with Washers (8 Sets)

    uxcell 8 Sets TC815+2TRA Thrust Needle Roller Bearings with Washers,

    Great Value Pack

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    Should you want a compact, reliable thrust solution for light to medium axial loads, the uxcell TC815 needle roller sets are a great pick for your toolbox. You get eight bearings and sixteen washers, each bearing sized 1/2 inch ID, 15/16 inch OD, and 5/64 inch thick with washers. Chrome steel rollers give low friction, high wear resistance, and durable service. Use the washers as raceways whenever nearby parts cannot serve that role. Install these whenever you need single direction axial support in tight spaces. They’re straightforward to fit, useful in many small assemblies, and reassuringly sturdy.

    • Application / Fitment:General thrust needle-roller bearing use where washers serve as raceways (generic/mechanical assemblies)
    • Purpose / Function:Handle axial (thrust) loads in a single direction; reduce friction using rollers + washers
    • Material / Construction:Chrome steel needle rollers; washers (material not specified)
    • Quantity / Packaging:8 bearing sets (8 bearings) with 16 washers
    • Fitment Specificity:General/generic — sized (TC815) for assemblies needing needle roller thrust bearings
    • Intended Replacement / OEM Orientation:Aftermarket bearing sets (model TC815) intended to be combined with washers as raceways
    • Additional Feature:Chrome steel rollers
    • Additional Feature:Includes raceway washers
    • Additional Feature:Packaged as 8 sets
  3. Spicer 38106 Thrust Washer

    Spicer 38106 Thrust Washer

    OEM Reliability

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    In case you want a dependable thrust washer that fits right and lasts, the Spicer 38106 is a solid pick for mechanics, DIYers, and anyone repairing drivetrains. You’ll like its precise 2.8 inch diameter and M10 fastener fit. It’s made for Spicer Global in the United States, built to meet or exceed OE specs, and sold as a single uncoated silver washer that weighs just 0.32 ounces. You can expect strength and durability for extended service life. It ships with Amazon return support and a 30 day voluntary guarantee, so you can buy with confidence and peace of mind.

    • Application / Fitment:General replacement thrust washer (Spicer OE-style) — unspecified application (2.8″ diameter)
    • Purpose / Function:Provide thrust load support and durability as OE-style thrust washer
    • Material / Construction:Metal (uncoated) thrust washer
    • Quantity / Packaging:Single unit (package quantity: 1)
    • Fitment Specificity:OE-style dimensional match (Spicer part number 38106) but generic application based on size
    • Intended Replacement / OEM Orientation:OE/Spicer part (engineered to meet or exceed OE requirements)
    • Additional Feature:Made in United States
    • Additional Feature:OE-grade Spicer part
    • Additional Feature:UPC/ASIN available
  4. DNJ TW400 Thrust Washer for 1.3L–1.8L L4 Engines

    DNJ TW400 Thrust Washer for 1986-2005 Ford, Kia, Mazda, Mercury

    Engine-Specific Fit

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    Provided that you want a reliable replacement for small four cylinder engines, the DNJ TW400 thrust washer fits the bill and will give you confidence during rebuilds or repairs. You’ll appreciate that it’s brand new and made by DNJ Engine Components, a supplier with over 30 years of experience. It fits 1986–2005 Ford, Kia, Mazda, and Mercury models with 1.3L–1.8L L4 engines, both 16V DOHC and SOHC, naturally aspirated or turbocharged, including 1493 cc variants. You get a one year or 12,000 mile limited warranty, clear fitment remarks, and trusted quality for maintenance tasks.

    • Application / Fitment:Engine thrust washer for 1.3L–1.8L L4 engines (1986–2005 Ford/Kia/Mazda/Mercury)
    • Purpose / Function:Control crank/valve train thrust in small L4 engines (engine maintenance)
    • Material / Construction:Metal engine-grade thrust washer (DNJ manufactured)
    • Quantity / Packaging:Single thrust washer (sold as individual part; brand-new)
    • Fitment Specificity:Specific — engine families and years (1.3L–1.8L L4; 1986–2005; makes listed)
    • Intended Replacement / OEM Orientation:Aftermarket replacement (DNJ; engineered for direct-fit engine replacement; 1-year warranty)
    • Additional Feature:1-year/12k-mile warranty
    • Additional Feature:Covers DOHC and SOHC
    • Additional Feature:Wide make/year coverage
  5. DNJ TW193 Thrust Washers for Hyundai & Kia Engines

    DNJ TW193 Thrust Washers for 2011-2017, Hyundai, Kia, Elantra, Elantra

    Hyundai/Kia Replacement

    View Latest Price

    Should you want reliable engine parts that fit your 2011–2017 Hyundai or Kia without guesswork, DNJ TW193 thrust washers are a smart choice for your toolbox. You’ll get brand new thrust washers built through DNJ Engine Components, a maker with over 30 years of experience, so you can feel confident about quality and fit. They suit 1.8L and 2.0L L4 DOHC 16V naturally aspirated engines, covering Elantra, Forte, Soul, Tucson and more, with 122 cid displacement. You’ll appreciate the one year or 12,000 mile limited warranty and the supplier’s long term focus on trust.

    • Application / Fitment:Engine thrust washers for 1.8L–2.0L Hyundai & Kia models (2011–2017)
    • Purpose / Function:Control thrust on crank/valve train for specified Hyundai/Kia engines (engine maintenance)
    • Material / Construction:Metal engine-grade thrust washers (DNJ manufactured)
    • Quantity / Packaging:Thrust washers (multi-piece set for specified engines — sold as replacement set; exact count implied but presented as part number)
    • Fitment Specificity:Specific — Hyundai/Kia models and years (2011–2017; 1.8L/2.0L engines)
    • Intended Replacement / OEM Orientation:Aftermarket replacement (DNJ; engineered for specified Hyundai/Kia engines; 1-year warranty)
    • Additional Feature:Specific Hyundai/Kia models listed
    • Additional Feature:1-year/12k-mile warranty
    • Additional Feature:Targets 1.8L–2.0L engines

Factors to Consider When Choosing Thrust Washers

When you pick thrust washers, consider about the right material and how it will handle your engine’s chemicals and temperatures. Check load capacity and dimensional accuracy so the washer won’t fail or cause misalignment during use. Also consider installation orientation and maintenance needs because correct fit and upkeep keep things running smoothly and save you time later.

Material Compatibility

At the time you’re picking a thrust washer, start matching the washer material to the shaft and housing materials so the parts live longer and you spend less time fixing things. You want hardness that complements the mating surfaces. For example, choose softer bronze or plastic against hardened steel to cut shaft wear, and use harder steel washers at the point both mating parts are softer. Also check chemical compatibility because operating fluids and contaminants can eat some metals and polymers. Consider temperature limits since metals hold shape at heat while polymers can soften or creep. Reflect about wear and friction properties next. Low friction options like PTFE liners, bronze with oil grooves, or needle rollers help. Finally, weigh cost and ease of replacement against long term performance and service interval needs.

Load Capacity

Start through figuring out the highest axial load your washer will face and pick a washer rated above that peak so you don’t end up fixing a seized or bent part. You should measure the maximum axial load in pounds or newtons and choose a washer rated above that peak to avoid plastic deformation. Next, consider contact area and thickness because thicker washers and larger bearing surfaces spread load and lower contact stress. Also match material strength and hardness to the load; use hardened steel or bronze for heavy duty and softer metals or polymers only for light use. Recall variable versus static loading, add a safety factor of 1.5 to 3 times for shocks, and watch fatigue resistance. Finally, consider speed and lubrication because poor lubrication or high speed raises heat and wear.

Dimensional Accuracy

Because tight fits and tiny gaps decide how long a thrust washer will last, you should treat dimensional accuracy as a top priority. You need the inner and outer diameters to match the shaft and bore within designer tolerances, since 0.01 to 0.05 mm changes load distribution and clearance. Also check thickness to the specified ±0.02 to 0.05 mm, because thickness sets axial clearance and preload on bearings and gears. Verify concentricity and flatness, with runout and warpage held to a few microns, to avoid uneven contact and spot wear. Confirm hole location, keyway and slot dimensions match mating features so the washer seats properly. Finally choose parts made to ISO or SAE finish and dimensional standards so fit, friction and lubricant film behave predictably.

Installation Orientation

Good installation orientation keeps a thrust washer working quietly and lasting longer, so you want to get the faces, tabs, and lips lined up exactly as the manual shows. You’ll orient grooved or flanged faces toward the mating surface the manual names so oil stays where it should and clearances remain correct. Also align chamfers, tabs, and locating lips with shaft or housing features so the washer seats fully and won’t rotate under load. Whenever paired washers are required, install them symmetrically and keep the specified stack order and axial clearance. Check any marked or larger-diameter side and face it as the manufacturer directs. Prior to final assembly, rotate the shaft by hand to confirm smooth operation and correct axial play.

Maintenance Requirements

As you select thrust washers, consider how you’ll care for them over time so they don’t surprise you with noise or failure. You’ll inspect thickness and face wear at scheduled service intervals, often every 30,000 to 60,000 miles for heavy driveline parts. You should measure axial clearance with a dial indicator after installation and keep endplay within the maker’s spec because extra clearance makes noise and speeds wear. During routine checks look for scoring, heat discoloration, or deformation since those signs point to lubrication failure or misalignment and need immediate action. Confirm lubricant type and re-lube intervals match the system, and whenever wear exceeds limits replace washers in matched pairs or kits to keep axial spacing and load even.

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