A bearing member (10) having a series of carbon separators (16, 16'...16 N ) with semi-spherical pockets (52, 52'...52 N ) on the end thereof and semi-spherical ribs (20) and (22) on its inner and outer periphery. The ribs (20) and (22) are located in grooves (50) and (58), respectively, of races (44) and (43). Balls (14, 14'...14 N ) are located between pockets 52, 52'...52" and maintained in radial alignment in the grooves (50 and 58) of the races (43) and (44). Initially separators (16, 16'...16 N ) are separated from each other but as the bearing (10) is used the separators (16, 16'...16") wear by providing balls (14, 14'...14 N ) and races (43 and 44) with lubrication. At a predetermined wear condition, the separators (16, 16'...16 N ) engage each other to provide controlled ball spacing thereafter protecting bearing member (10) from premature wear or total failure.