Method of making a refrigeration compressor thrust bearing assembly

A method of manufacturing a motor-compressor unit for use in a refrigeration compressor having a motor including a stator and a rotor, a crankshaft connected to the rotor, and a frame having a bearing hub receiving and supporting the crankshaft and rotor assembly, the manufacturing method including the steps of:

• forming an annular thrust bearing from a fluorocarbon-based resin and providing at least one oil distributing groove on a lower surface of the thrust bearing;
• press fitting the thrust bearing within a recess formed in the rotor, whereby the thrust bearing lower surface faces the bearing hub and the thrust bearing is fixed relative to the rotor;
• processing an upper surface of the bearing hub to a finish of at least 63 microinches;
• disposing the crankshaft within the rotor recess and connecting the crankshaft to the rotor so as to prohibit the movement of the crankshaft relative to the rotor;
• and
• disposing the rotor and crankshaft assembly within the stator with an end of the crankshaft extending axially away from the rotor and being rotatably received in a bore formed in the bearing hub, whereby the lower surface of the thrust bearing engages and is supported by the upper surface of the bearing hub.