the invention pertains to the method and apparatus of compensating for the axial bearing load forces imposed upon rotary joints conveying a pressurized fluid medium , such as steam , by imposing an axial force on the rotary joint housing proportional to the pressure within the rotary joint by use of a distinctively different pressurized medium than that comveyed by the joint , such as compressed air . an expansible chamber motor capable of imposing an axial force on the rotary joint utilizes compressed air whose pressure is controlled by a sensing and regulating system responsive to the pressure within the rotary joint .