A thrust bearing/coupling component for use in scroll-type apparatus which may be a compressor, expander, fluid pump or vacuum pump. The resulting apparatus is particularly suited for use as auxiliary equipment in automotive power systems. The component of this invention comprises rotating or oscillating load carrying members, preferably ball bearings, confined within facing indentations cut in the orbiting scroll member end plate surface and an associated surface in a member stationary with respect to the orbiting scroll member. The thrust bearing/coupling component couples the stationary and orbiting scroll members in a predetermined angular relationship and it may be used to carry either expansive or compressive axial loads on the scroll members to achieve efficient radial sealing of the moving scroll fluid pockets while controlling surface wearing so that the scroll apparatus may be operated for an extended period of time without servicing.