A compact bearing system capable of variable load carrying capability and precision motion on a guideway includes a bearing body, a fluid medium, a sealing bearing member and a pressurizing actuation means installed as an integral part of the bearing body. The bearing body includes an internal pocket with an open side facing a surface of said guideway. The fluid medium is contained inside said internal pocket and is in contact with said surface of said guideway on said open side. The sealing bearing member is in contact with said surface of said guideway and seals a clearance between said bearing body and said surface of said guideway to limit leakage of said fluid medium. The pressurizing actuation means pressurizes the confined fluid medium through a small passage, and the pressurized fluid medium carrying a main portion of a load carried on said compact bearing system.