Abstract: A bearing load washer that permits assembly of electric motors with the rotor shaft in a vertical position and extending downward is described. The bearing load washer includes a plurality of portions that form a non-planar, wave shaped, substantially circular shaped, washer body. The washer includes a center opening that is sized so that an electric motor rotor shaft can extend through the washer body. The washer includes an outer circumferential surface and at least one raised area extending radially from the outer circumferential surface. The raised areas are configured to increase the outside diameter of the washer so that the outer circumferential surface engages the inner surface of an endshield bearing pocket at each raised area of the outer circumferential surface.