1. Bearings are components that allow parts in a machine to move smoothly against each other. There are two main types: sliding bearings which use lubrication between sliding surfaces, and rolling element bearings which use balls or rollers to minimize friction.
2. Thrust bearings are a type of rolling element bearing designed to support high axial loads on a shaft. Common varieties include ball, roller, and tapered roller thrust bearings.
3. Bushings are plain bearings that can be inserted into a housing to provide a bearing surface, and come in solid, split, or clenched designs to accommodate rotation.