Which bearing type is specifically designed to carry a pure radial load?

The correct answer identifies a bearing type that excels in accommodating pure radial loads without significant additional axial loading. Needle bearings, characterized by their long, slender rollers, have a large surface area that distributes the load effectively. This design allows them to handle radial forces efficiently, making them particularly suitable for applications where space is limited, yet a high load-carrying capacity is required.

In contrast, the other bearing types serve different purposes. Ball bearings, while capable of carrying radial loads, are also designed to handle some axial loads due to their spherical components. Thrust ball bearings are specifically engineered to support axial loads and are not suitable for pure radial load applications. Tapered roller bearings can handle both radial and axial loads but are designed primarily for applications where there are combined loading requirements.

Understanding these distinctions is critical for selecting the appropriate bearing type based on the specific loading conditions in an application.