Abstract: A vertical column hydraulic pump is disclosed having an impeller secured to a vertical rotary shaft within a water passageway. A diffuser surrounds the shaft adjacent the impeller. The pump is provided with a first bearing surrounding the shaft adjacent the impeller and a second bearing surrounding the shaft adjacent a shaft coupling. Means are provided to raise the shaft to present a gap at the coupling through which the second bearing may be removed. A bearing cartridge is provided secured to the top of the diffuser and extending downwardly to the first bearing, the first bearing is secured to the cartridge. The cartridge may be lifted to expose the first bearing whereby the first bearing may be removed through the gap without the need to remove the pump impeller from the shaft.