This conical geometry creates a linear contact patch which permits greater loads to be carried than with spherical (ball) bearings, which have point contact. The geometry means that the tangential speeds of the surfaces of each of the rollers are the same as their raceways along the whole length of the contact patch and no differential scrubbing occurs.

The U type tapered roller bearings are an exception within the conventional tapered roller bearings since this is a compact unit type that includes the grease and is pre-regulated without having to install an opposite bearing. Furthermore, they have a flange on the outer ring that is fastened axially in the application once the bearing is mounted.Two rows of rollers give these bearings load capacities over five times higher than comparably sized tapered-roller bearings. One-Way Locking Needle-Roller Bearing Clutches. The needles in these bearings roll freely in one direction, but lock to transmit torque when the rotation of the shaft is reversed.