An arrangement for compensating the axial thrust of a fluid-flow machine is provided. A load-relieving element is non-rotatably connected to a shaft. A flow-restrict gap is formed by the load-relieving element and a counter-element secured to a housing of the fluid-flow machine. The counter-element is provided with a device for maintaining the distance between the load-relieving element and the counter-element. The device includes at least one force-generating element that generates a force that acts in opposition to the axial thrust in order to avoid component contact.