For HORIZONTAL UNITS (ASSEMBLY), explanation of Guide Pads is quite not suitable because they directly counteract also with the weight of rotating parts Anyway, depending on their behaviour and application we can classified the bearing in two main types :

(1) TILTING PADS.

(2) STATIC OR STIFF PADS

When there is no appreciable deformation of the shaft line STIFF PADS are used and generally TILTING PADS are used where Journal is required some self-alignment properties. For VERTICAL UNITS (ASSEMBLY) , the main function is to keep the shaft aligned vertically and support any radial force that can take place during the operation. The tilting guide pads are usually adopted to bear the operational load only.