The theory of the lubrication of plane sliders of finite width‐thrust block bearings‐has been developed by a method that is more convenient for numerical calculations than that of Michell and Boswall. Whereas previously all the derived properties of such systems have had to be obtained by direct graphical and numerical procedures, explicit analytical expressions have been obtained in the present theory for the friction coefficients, the inclination of the wedges, the load‐carrying capacities, the minimum film thickness, and the lubricant flow. The theory has been applied numerically to a much wider range of conditions than has been done before. In particular, with respect to self‐aligning thrust bearings or sliders, numerical results have been obtained so as to cover both the range where the pivot is very near the center of the slider and where it is set within short distances of the trailing edge. With such extended ranges it has been possible to construct complete curves for the variation of the important derived properties of the slider system as functions of the pivot position.