Four-point contact ball bearings are radial single row angular contact ball bearings with raceways that are designed to support axial loads in both directions. For a given axial load, a limited radial load can also be supported ). The bearings are separable, i.e. the outer ring with ball and cage assembly can be mounted separately from the two inner ring halves.

Both inner ring halves of the Explorer four-point contact ball bearings have a recessed shoulder. This improves oil flow when the bearing is used in combination with a cylindrical roller bearing . In addition, these recesses can be used to facilitate dismounting.

The unique design of the four-point contact ball bearing allows for the application of radial load, moment load, and thrust load in either direction. By resisting all three loads simultaneously, a single four-point contact bearing replaces two angular contact bearings, resulting in a simpler design and space, weight, and cost savings. Four-point thin section and slewing ring bearings are ideal for applications with oscillating movement at slow to moderate speeds, and where the rotating element has a high ratio of diameter to axial length.