Abstract: A direct drive servovalve in which rotational motion of a motor rotor is converted into linear motion of a spool valve to direct fluid to a desired load. The drive motor is supported upon a housing within which the spool valve is disposed. The rotor of the drive motor engages the valve to cause it to reciprocate within a bore provided within the housing. A bearing supporting the rotor shaft is unsealed to permit fluid to flow through the bearing and into the interior of the rotor to provide lubrication and cooling. Disposed within the flow path are dirt shields at each end of the bearing which provide a tortious, labyrinth flow path for the fluid with spacing between the dirt shields and the bearing race being such as to allow fluid to flow but at the same time to remove contaminants entrained within the fluid.