Abstract: An improved bearing assembly includes one unique shaft washer (158) rather than using separate forward and aft shaft washers as in the prior art; a slight lengthening of the forward roller (174) as compared to the aft roller (176); an increase in the diameter of the forward roller relative to the aft roller; an increase in the number of rollers; improved materials, particularly in the shaft washer (158) where fewer inclusions are present in the metal; and an osculation configured to provide less space and unconstrained movement between the rollers and runways. The improvements result in decreased movement or play between the shaft washers, the bearings/rollers, and the outer rings. The improvements and changes provide a compact design that fits within existing pod propulsion systems.