Abstract: An apparatus for axially retaining a shaft comprises a shaft having an axis of rotation and an axially-affixed member having a bore therethrough coaxial with the shaft and having an inside diameter, the shaft passing through the bore. The apparatus also includes a retainer mounted about the shaft in a first groove, the retainer having an outside diameter larger than the diameter of the bore. The apparatus further comprises a retaining ring mounted about the shaft in a second groove, the retaining ring having a compressed outside diameter less than the inside diameter of the bore and an uncompressed outside diameter larger than the diameter of the bore. The first groove and the second groove are located on first and second axial sides of the member, respectively, and the retainer and the retaining ring cooperate to substantially prevent axial movement of the shaft with respect to the member. A method for assembling an apparatus having a shaft comprises placing a retaining ring about the shaft in a groove.