Yes is if you are using a plain bearing thrust bearing but the Mazda rotary
uses a needle thrust bearing. I am not sure what you mean by side load?
The rotor and main bearings see only radial loads. In other words loads
only in the radial direction.

I also don't know if this applies to ball or needle
bearings.

Paul Lamar

Paul,
Yes this does apply to ball or roller bearings, The area for oil is much less. The radial needle bearing must slid some. The best form of thrust bearing is the tapered roller but that isn't always an easy fit. The speed mismatch between ends of the needle roller thrust bearing relies on the oil film strength to some lesser extent.
Bill Jepson

 
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