Abstract: A construction for a fluid bearing in a rotary spindle apparatus includes a spindle having first and second ends, and at least one thrust plate coupled to a shaft which is surrounded by a hub having an enclosing sleeve. The sleeve surrounding the thrust plate and shaft defines several gap regions where bearing fluid resides. A first radial gap region is defined between the shaft and sleeve and a second radial gap region is defined between the outer diameter of the thrust plate and the sleeve. A first axial gap region is defined by an upper surface of the thrust plate and the sleeve, and a second axial gap region exists between the lower surface of the thrust plate and the sleeve. A bearing fluid is disposed within these gap regions and forms capillary seals at first and second ends of the spindle. The thrust plate includes holes or pressure compensation ports which connect the first and second axial gap regions.