The present invention pertains to a fluid dynamic bearing assembly for directing bubbles. The assembly includes a stator with a stator bearing surface. A rotor with a rotor bearing surface rotates with respect to the stator such that the rotor bearing surface opposes the stator bearing surface. Lubricating fluid is disposed between the stator bearing surface and the rotor bearing surface. Features disposed on either the stator bearing surface or the rotor bearing surface direct the bubbles such that the fluid dynamic bearing assembly does not require a recirculation channel.