The lubrication mechanism and heat transfer characteristics of slipper/swash plate pair affect working performance and service life of axial piston pump, which is one of main research projects in key basic component of engineering machinery and equipment. The research development directions of the thermohydrodynamic lubrication of slipper/swash plate pair in axial piston pump were summarized. The application condition of effects of oil viscosity, energy dissipation and elastic deformation on the thermohydrodynamic lubrication of slipper/swash plate pair was summarized. The lubrication characteristics measurement apparatus of slipper/swash plate pair was introduced. The test methods of the lubricating oil film thickness and temperature in the micron level were compared, which could provide an experimental base for developing high performance of axial piston pump. Finally, the emphasis of research and the development tendency of the thermohydrodynamic lubrication of slipper/swash plate pair are concluded.