A rig was constructed to test the performance characteristics and compare the hydraulic forces exerted on a centrifugal type artificial heart impeller. A conventional shaft. seal and bearing system. while driven by a small electric motor. supported the impeller which was separated from the pump casing by a six degree of freedom force transducer (JR3 Ine). Radial (x. y) and axial (z) hydraulic forces were recorded and compared. At physiological operating conditions. the results indicate that the double entry/exit centrifugal pump encounters a smaller radial force and significantly reduced axial thrust. These experimental results are valuable in the design of a magnetic bearing system to suspend the impeller of a centrifugal artificial heart pump. This experimental technique may also be applied to evaluate the required capacity and predict the lifetime of contact bearings in marine pumps.