An axial flux electric machine and associated method of use that includes a shaft, a rotor attached to the shaft, a plurality of permanent magnets positioned underneath the rotor, an electrical winding positioned below the plurality of permanent magnets, a stator that encircles the shaft that is located below the rotor, a first bearing assembly located below the stator and encircling the shaft of the rotor, a second bearing assembly located below the first bearing assembly and encircling the shaft, and a spring mechanism, located between the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly, to distribute load placed on the shaft between the first bearing assembly and the second bearing assembly.