A method of assembling an electric motor comprises axially translating a rotor of a rotor assembly in a first direction through a longitudinal bore of a stator, a first centering ring of the rotor assembly preventing a first end of the rotor from contacting an internal surface of the longitudinal bore; rotatably supporting a first end of the rotor assembly longitudinally extending from the rotor with a first support member; resting a second centering ring of the rotor assembly on the internal surface of the longitudinal bore; rotatably supporting a second end of the rotor assembly longitudinally extending from the rotor with a second support member; and axially translating the rotor assembly in a second direction, opposite the first direction, to place the rotor assembly in a position in which both the first centering ring and the second centering ring are outside the longitudinal bore.