Abstract: A system for assembling a vehicle drive shaft is provided with the steps of installing yokes on respective ends of a drive shaft tube, each yoke having first and second bores therethrough for receiving respective distal ends of respective spider arrangements, and rolling the outer edges of the bores using carbide rollers to urge a portion of the material of the yoke to overlie radially the respectively associated distal end of the spider arrangement. Datums are defined on the yokes and the shaft tube for determining a spatial relationship between the yokes and shaft tube. The rolling of the bore of the yoke is performed while the spider, the bearing caps, and the retention elements are maintained in preload to achieve zero tolerance. Prior to roller forming the outer edge of the bore, the spider arrangement is supported on the true rotating center of the drive shaft tube.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for friction welding termination elements at first and second ends (21, 23) of a cylindrical shaft (15) in alaignment with an axis. A shaft receiver (17) receives the cylindrical shaft (15), and a first chuck (70) grips and rotates the cylindrical shaft (15) in alignment with the axis. A second chuck (75) grips the cylindrical shaft (15) and translates the second chuck (75) between first and second axial positions. A first termination receiver (155) receives the first termination (30) and axially translates same to a first installation position. An installation drive (90) urges the first termination (30) axially toward the cylindrical shaft (15) as it is rotated. A second termination receiver axially translates second termination (32) to a second installation position in allignment with the axis. A second installation drive (91) urges the second termination element (32) axially toward the cylindrical shaft as it is rotated.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a drive shaft (11) for a vehicle, the drive shaft (11) having a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. There is provided a drive arrangement for coupling to the first end of the drive shaft and applying a rotatory force to the drive shaft (11). A second end support arrangement rotationally supports the drive shaft (11) at its second end. Also, a transaxial drive (35) for applying a transverse force in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft (11). The transaxial drive includes a transaxially displaceable roller arrangement for communicating with an outer surface of the drive shaft (11) in a region thereof intermediate of the drive arrangement and the support arrangement, via which the transverse force is applied. The transverse force has a magnitude sufficient to cause bending of the drive shaft (11) in the direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof as the drive shaft is rotated.

Abstract: A system for verifying the quality of a pressing operation of a press-fit part onto a receiving portion of a receiving assembly. The system is applicable to the installation of a bearing cup onto a shaft, or a valve seat into a cylinder head. A probe measures a predetermined dimension of the press-fit part to establish a first measurement value. In the case of a valve seat installed a receiving pocket of a cylinder head, a measuring probe is inserted into the receiving pocket of the cylinder head to measure its depth. The depth is recorded as a second measurement value. The valve seat is then pressed into the pocket, and the residual depth is measured to determine the distance between the outermost surface of the pressed in valve seat and the outer surface of the receiving pocket. A computation compares the depth of the pocket against the thickness of the valve seat to determine a difference which is then compared to the residual depth.