A hydrodynamic bearing assembly includes a first member including a first engaging surface. The first member is stationary in a non-operating mode of the bearing assembly and rotates about an axis in an operational mode of the bearing assembly. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly also includes a second member including a bore and a second engaging surface positioned adjacent the first engaging surface. The second member is stationary in both the non-operating mode and the operational mode of the bearing assembly. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly further includes a spacer member positioned within the bore and is configured to engage the first member to define a first gap between the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface in the non-operational mode.