A pad-type thrust bearing in which each pad rests on a volume of liquid enclosed in a cavity connected to adjacent cavities by ducts. The thrust bearing includes a number of casings, each casing delimiting the cavity and which are connected to one another by ducts. The convex casings and the ducts together form a hollow functional subassembly which is separate from the other constituent components of the thrust bearing and which delimits a liquid-filled closed volume. Each casing includes two half-shells positioned one on each side of a flexible bladder and each duct including a flexible hose inserted in a sheath.