Abstract: A universal joint includes a cross member having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A hollow bearing cup is disposed about the end of each of the trunnions. Each of the bearing cups has an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface that is disposed about a bearing surface formed on the trunnion. An insert is disposed between the bearing surface of the trunnion and the inner surface of the bearing cup provided thereon. In a first embodiment, an annular groove is formed in the inner surface of the bearing cup that receives the insert therein. In a second embodiment, the insert is disposed between the cylindrical bearing surface of the trunnion and the cylindrical inner surface of the bearing cup. The insert is formed from either a ceramic material or a composite material. The bearing cup may be formed from a metallic material that is molded about the insert.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a cross member having a plurality of trunnions extending outwardly therefrom. A hollow bearing cup is disposed about the end of each of the trunnions. Each of the bearing cups has an open end, a closed end, and an inner surface that is disposed about a bearing surface formed on the trunnion. An insert is disposed between the bearing surface of the trunnion and the inner surface of the bearing cup provided thereon. In a first embodiment, an annular groove is formed in the inner surface of the bearing cup that receives the insert therein. In a second embodiment, the insert is disposed between the cylindrical bearing surface of the trunnion and the cylindrical inner surface of the bearing cup. The insert is formed from either a ceramic material or a composite material. The bearing cup may be formed from a metallic material that is molded about the insert.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly for a vehicle uses a ball spline as a slip member. In general, the slip member includes an outer race member, an inner race member, and a pair of end return members. The outer race member includes one or more grooves or recesses, each groove forming an outer race. The inner race member includes a corresponding number of grooves and inner bores to form an outer race track and inner race tracks, respectively. Each outer race and corresponding outer race track form an outer ball recirculating track for transmitting torque through the recirculating ball bearings. Each inner race track forms an inner ball recirculating track for providing a circumferential path for the ball bearings. In one embodiment, the inner race member and end return members are generally cylindrical in cross sectional shape that is disposed within the outer race member. The outer race member, inner race member and end return member can be any desired cross sectional shape.

Abstract: A steering shaft assembly for a vehicle includes a slip joint. The slip joint includes a pair of members, each member includes first and second collar and one or more rods extending therebetween. The one or rods of one member are slidably supported by linear bearings mounted in one of the collars of the other member for providing relative axial movement of the members between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position.

Abstract: A method for installing or removing a bearing cup on a universal joint with the assistance of a tool is disclosed. The universal joint is of the type having a yoke including a pair of opposed arms which have inner surfaces facing each other. Each of the arms has an opening for receiving a bearing cup. The tool has a pair of contact surfaces which are spaced apart from one another by a distance which is approximately equal to the distance between the inner surfaces of the arms. To install the bearing cup, the tool is positioned between the arms so that the contact surfaces of the tool respectively abut the inner surfaces of the arms. The bearing cup is then pressed into the opening of one of the arms such that the tool prevents the pair of opposed arms from deflecting in a direction towards one another. Preferably, a cross having a pair of opposed trunnions is positioned between the arms so that the bearing cup is mounted on one of the trunnions when the bearing cup is pressed in the opening.