This paper presents the thermal characteristics analysis of a high-speed motor-separated spindle system consisted of angular contact ball bearings and built-in motor with oil-jet lubrication. The spindle system is composed of the main spindle and sub-spindle which are mechanically connected by a flexible coupling. The spindles are supported by two front and rear bearings, and the built-in motor is located between the front and rear bearings of the sub-spindle. The thermal analysis model of spindle system is constructed by the finite element method, and the thermal characteristics in the design stage are estimated based on temperature distribution and heat flow under the various testing conditions related to material of bearing ball, spindle speed and coolant temperature.