Abstract: A center bearing assembly includes a generally U-shaped bracket and a support member containing a bearing. In a first embodiment, a plurality of openings is formed through the bracket. Each of the openings has axially forward and rearward tabs provided thereon which extend inwardly toward the center of the bracket. The outer surface of the support member is formed having a plurality of outwardly extending protrusions. When the support member is installed in the bracket, the outwardly extending protrusions of the support member are received within the openings formed in the legs of the bracket to prevent the support member from being withdrawn radially from the bracket. Portions of the axially facing surfaces of the support member are engaged respectively by the tabs to prevent the support member from moving axially relative to the bracket. In a second embodiment, a plurality of openings is formed through the bracket, and a pair of circumferential inwardly extending flanges is provided thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quickly and efficiently balancing an article, such as a tube for use in a vehicular drive shaft assembly, for rotation about an axis is provided. Initially, a balance ring is press fit or otherwise mounted onto the article to be balanced. The balance ring includes a ring of a material that can be selectively removed to balance the article for rotation, such as powdered metal. The article is mounted on an apparatus for rotating the article at a predetermined speed and for sensing vibrations that are caused by imbalances in the structure of the article. An electronic controller is responsive to such sensed vibrations for determining the size and location of one or more balance weights that, if secured to the article, will minimize or eliminate these imbalances.

Abstract: A method for forming a one-piece steering shaft member, such as an externally splined male steering shaft member (or yoke shaft) or an internally splined female steering shaft member (or slip yoke) is disclosed. A hollow cylindrical tube is initially provided which is preferably formed from a blank of a metallic material, such as aluminum, having an elongation factor of at least fifteen percent. It is desirable that the tube have a uniform wall thickness and define an outer diameter which is substantially uniform along the length thereof. The outer diameter of one end of the tube is reduced from its original diameter while the outer diameter of the opposite end is maintained at its original diameter. A splined surface is formed in the reduced diameter end portion of the tube. The splined surface is formed on the external surface of the yoke shaft and on the internal surface of the slip yoke. A yoke member is then formed in the opposite end of the tube.

Abstract: A method for making a drive line slip joint assembly of the type having a slip yoke and a yoke shaft, the yoke shaft telescopically engaging an internal bore through one end of the slip yoke, the yoke shaft having an externally splined portion with splines extending radially outwardly from a central axis, and the slip yoke having an internally splined portion with splines extending radially inwardly toward the central axis, with the splines of the yoke shaft intermeshing with the splines of the slip yoke to form a driving connection between the yoke shaft and the slip yoke, includes coating the splines of either the yoke shaft or the slip yoke with a low friction coating, heating the yoke shaft and the slip yoke to a temperature sufficient to soften the low friction coating, centering the yoke shaft with respect to the slip yoke, inserting the yoke shaft into the internal bore of the slip yoke, and cooling the yoke shaft and slip yoke.

Abstract: An improved construction for a pinch bolt yoke for use as a flexible coupling in a vehicle steering system includes two separate components, a block and a stamping. The block includes front and rear surfaces, upper and lower surfaces, opposing side surfaces, and edges between the surfaces. The block includes a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear surfaces. The block further includes a cutout to accommodate a transverse bolt. The cutout extends across a portion of the upper surface in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The block further includes a bore to receive a shaft. The bore extends through the block between the front and rear surfaces in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The stamping is adapted to receive the block. The stamping includes a base and a pair of arms extending perpendicularly from the base. The stamping further includes a front surface and a rear end, upper and lower surfaces, and opposing side surfaces.