The results of an exploratory experimental investigation of externally pressurized, condensing vapor lubricated, thrust bearing behavior are described. The results indicate that bearing load carrying capacity using vapor lubricant is somewhat lower than would be expected from a comparable single-phase compressible lubricant. Bearing performance is strongly dependent on the rate at which heat is removed from the lubricant film by the bearing surfaces because of progressive condensation of the lubricant flowing over the cooled surfaces. Interaction of thermodynamic and fluid flow processes results in a well-defined load capacity for the vapor lubricated bearing and leads to an abrupt collapse of the bearing if the load limit is exceeded.Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the Lubrication Conference held in Rochester, New York, October 15–17, 1963.