an assembly is provided that includes a shaft , a bearing , a stator seal element , a rotor seal element and a shield . the shaft extends along an axis . the bearing supports the shaft and receives lubrication fluid . the stator seal element circumscribes the shaft . the rotor seal element is mounted on the shaft axially between the bearing and the stator seal element . the rotor seal element forms a seal with the stator seal element . the shield substantially prevents the lubrication fluid from traveling axially away from the bearing onto the rotor seal element .