Abstract: An improved split thrust washer assembly for a vehicle transmission speed shaft. The assembly includes a pair of semi-circular washer segments held in a speed shaft circumferential groove by a C-type compression retaining ring. The ring biases each washer segment interior surface into contact with the groove base wall during maximum shaft speeds thereby neutralizing the centrifugal force tending to separate the segments from the groove. The segments have radially extending opposed end faces having a predetermined minimal clearance therebetween thereby insuring that the segments are maintained in contact with the groove. The thrust washer assembly allows a shallower groove to carry the design thrust loads so as to improve shaft fatigue life.