A method is provided for maintaining the aggregate stiffness of a pivot bearing assembly generally employed along with an actuator assembly of a magnetic disk drive, while increasing the stiffness in a predetermined direction. More specifically, bearing cartridges used in conjunction with actuator assemblies of the prior art employ at least one ball bearing assembly positioned about a stationary shaft. A modification is presented herein that generally concerns repositioning and maintaining the balls of the ball bearing along a predetermined axis for efficient reaction of loads.