Abstract: An improved pivot mechanism for an actuator assembly of a disc drive having an E-block that supports plurality of read/write heads in data reading and writing relationship to an array of spinning data discs. The pivot mechanism has a bearing cartridge that supports the E-block and which pivots about a pivot shaft which supports a pair of ball bearings of the bearing cartridge. Each of the ball bearings contains only three balls that are evenly distributed circumferentially about the pivot shaft. Contact surfaces of the bearing outer race and inner race provide single-point contact between the races and the balls.