A method of installing an annular bearing element within a centrifugal pump utilizes
a mechanical staking operation. The bearing element locates within a receptacle
of a pump stage that is surrounded by a retaining wall. Once the bearing element
is located within the retaining wall, the retaining wall is permanently deformed
at various points against the bearing element. The bearing element, if of a hard
wear resistant metal, may have flats for the circumferentially spaced apart deformations
to locate within. The bearing element may be a thrust washer for transmitting downward
thrust, or it may be a radial support bearing sleeve.
