A linear motion bearing assembly (20) as provided for movement along a
splined
shaft (10). The rolling element retainer of the bearing assembly (20)
is assembled from a plurality of arcuate interengageable self-contained rolling
element retainer segments (22). Each of the rolling element retainer segments
(22) includes at least one rolling element track (30) having a load
bearing portion (34) and a return portion (36). At least one load
bearing plate (44) is axially positioned in each segment and serves to receive
and transmit loads from the bearing rolling elements (32) in the load bearing
portion (34) of the ball tracks (30). An extended housing retainer
structure encloses all of the exposed exterior surfaces of the rolling element
retainer segments (22) and is configured and dimensioned to maintain the
rolling element retainer segments (22) in position and to receive a load
either directly or indirectly from the load bearing plates (44).
