Abstract: A bearing assembly for a generally horizontal shaft particularly propeller shafts for ships which includes a cylindrically lower bearing shell for cooperating with and supporting the shaft, a pair of cylindrically faced upper bearing shells also cooperating with the shaft and an upper bearing shell support means for the upper bearing shells which includes a piston and cylinder assembly between the support and shells for urging the cylindrical faces of the upper bearing shells against the shaft. Bearing fluid is led to the bearing shells, and a liquid under pressure is introduced into the piston and cylinder means. This liquid reacts against a captive chosen volume of gas to allow resilient movement of the upper bearing shells in their support means. The assembly also provides for release of the bearing from the housing, in which it is contained, by means of pressurized fluid.