The side seal assembly consists of three main components: a hardened and precision ground side seal 12, a spring 14 and a housing 16 in which the side seal 12 and spring 14 are assembled. The side seal contains two tabs 22 that fit through a slot feature 24 in the housing. The tabs 22 on the side seal 12 slide through the housing slot 24 into a relief area 26 that allows the side seal 12 to turn 90 degrees and fall into a shallow pocket 28 that keeps the side seal 12 retained.