Tapered roller bearings are rolling element bearings that can support axial forces as well as radial forces. The inner and outer ring raceways are segments of cones and the rollers are tapered so that the conical surfaces of the raceways, and the roller axes, if projected, would all meet at a common point on the main axis of the bearing. This geometry makes the motion of the cones remain coaxial, with no sliding motion between the raceways and the outside diameter of the rollers.

Tapered roller bearings feature a cup and cone assembly. The cup is comprised of the outer ring and the cone assembly consists of inner ring, rollers, and cage. This bearing construction accommodates combined loads and provides low friction during operation. By adjusting one single row tapered roller bearing against a second tapered roller bearing and applying a preload, a rigid bearing application can be achieved.