Tilting Pad Thrust Bearing

Would need to know more details on the particular unit to offer a maximum run out, but certainly could damage a thrust bearing.

Would help if you offered some shaft dimensions as well as your recorded run-out.

Have you checked OEM data concerning tolerances?

Tim

In multi stage high speed compressors, thrust collar face perdicularity run out is very detrimental for the thrust pads. Normally machine manufacturer recommend these values in +00/- 0.01mm however you can consult manual of your machine. Excessive run out will load all the pads during each revulution and may brake lubrication layer due to localise loading and thus bearing temperature will run high and may damage the pads in long run.

However some compressor manufacture use very small unbalance thrust on the thrust bearings to run the compressor rotor in one particular axial direction (active side). In such machine damage to thrust pads may be small.