A submersible well pump is driven by an electrical motor. A thrust bearing module between the pump and the motor has a base secured to and extending downward from a housing. The base has a motor end connector and an axial bore in fluid communication with lubricant in the motor. A shaft extends through the bore and into the housing. A thrust bearing assembly has a lower end at an upper end of the base. A lubricant pump mounted in the bore and coupled to the shaft pumps lubricant upward into the chamber. A passage has an inlet port in the chamber and an outlet port within the bore for returning lubricant pumped by the lubricant pump. The passage extends internally through the base and has a number of turns encircling the bore.