Abstract: A washer formed by two identical C-shaped sections having parallel upper and lower surfaces, two ends, an inside and an outside arcuate edge, the ends having a plurality of tabs and recesses that inter-digitate to form continuous surfaces. The outside arcuate edges have a circumferentially extending groove adapted to receive a circumferentially disposed tension member to apply a substantially uniform radial compression on the washer slot during assembly. The tension member can be molded into the groove to form a single unitary structure with the remainder of the washer.