Hydrostatic axle bearing

This invention relates to a fluid bearing installed between rotating and stationary axle components that accommodates both radial and thrust loads. A drive axle assembly includes a stationary member and a rotating member spaced apart from said stationary member to form a gap. A fluid bearing is formed between the stationary and rotating members by filling the gap with a fluid. The fluid creates a bearing surface between the stationary and rotating members. The fluid is pressurized to provide radial and thrust load support for the rotating member as it rotates with respect to the stationary member.