A method of assembling a capping mechanism of an inkjet printer, the method comprising the steps of: providing a support frame for at least one elongate shaft; positioning the shaft so as to be supported at its longitudinal first and second ends by the support frame; positioning a bearing of a fixing plate about the first end of the shaft, the bearing being configured to allow rotation of the shaft, the rotation providing transport of a capper out of, and into, a capping position on a pagewidth printhead; and slidably engaging the fixing plate with the support frame so as to fix the shaft thereto, wherein, during the sliding engagement, the elongate shaft pivots about the second end due to the configuration of the bearing.