Abstract: A linear motor actuator particularly adaptable to position a magnetic transducer in a magnetic disk storage system including a modular stator assembly and a modular carriage assembly. The stator assembly includes a frame with a first pair of spaced parallel guide rails; configured to have two flat guide surfaces adjacent to the carriage assembly and running in a direction parallel to the stroke of the actuator. A magnetic flux return path is integrally connected with a guide shaft and positioned between the guide rails. The carriage assembly includes a self supporting cantilevered coil positioned about the return path and guide rail, and offset from the flat surface. The carriage assembly is supported by a first set of angled ball bearings which ride on the guide shaft and a second set of spaced ball bearings which ride on the guide rails to preload the carriage assembly and prevent rotation.