Abstract: A brushless DC, in-the-hub spindle motor for a multi-disk micro-Winchester disk drive includes a fixed stator structure secured to the motor spindle. A lower support wall is journalled to a fixed central shaft via a lower bearing. The lower support wall defines two outer steps, an inner upper step, and a lower, outer step. A flux return ring is mounted on the inner step is spaced away relation to a disk hub which is mounted on the outer step, so that thermal expansion of the flux return ring occurs in the resultant space without deformation or distortion of the disk hub. The hub may be journalled to the shaft by an upper bearing.