Finite element analysis of shafting structure containing bearing is difficult in the current. According to the structure of large-aperture telescopes azimuth shafting, we designed and built an experimental platform to measure the elastic approaching of the plane thrust bearing. The experimental platform was based on the Dantec dynamic company’s non-contact measurement and analysis system for displacement. We got the stiffness curve of the plane thrust bearing by the experimental study of the contact problems. A finite element model in line with the actual working conditions was established and the recommended values of key parameters were given. The results show that, compared with the experimental results, the difference of elastic approaching which was calculated by ANSYS is within 2.47 μm and the maximum error is 11%. The results verify the accuracy of the finite element model and provide a reliable basis for the static analysis of the azimuth shafting of large-aperture telescopes.