Abstract: A bearing cage defines an overall axial length and includes a first end portion defining a first contact surface extending at a radially-outermost diameter of the bearing cage a first axial contact length, and a second end portion spaced a distance from the first end portion and defining a second contact surface extending at the radially-outermost diameter of the bearing cage a second axial contact length. The bearing cage further includes a plurality of spanning members extending between the first and second end portions to define a spanning member axial contact length defined at the radially-outermost diameter of the bearing cage by at least one contact pad. The bearing cage produces a total contact ratio, defined as the ratio of the sum total of the first axial contact length, the second axial contact length, and the spanning member axial contact length to the overall axial length, of at least 0.380.

Abstract: A flat, thin ring is formed into a modified ring having bridge material between adjacent, initial ball pockets. Movable anvils having a rounded surface are positioned within the initial ball pockets and the bridge material is flattened such that a flat bridge is formed between adjacent final ball pockets enclosing more than a 180 degree circumference of the rounded surface. The movable anvils are then moved such that the final ball pockets do not enclose more than a 180 degree circumference of the rounded surface to facilitate removal of the movable anvils from the final ball pockets. A method of assembling a ball bearing assembly is also described.

Abstract: A flat, thin ring is formed into a modified ring having bridge material between adjacent, initial ball pockets. Movable anvils having a rounded surface are positioned within the initial ball pockets and the bridge material is reformed such that a substantially flat bridge is formed between adjacent final ball pockets conforming to more than a 180 degree circumference of the rounded surface. The movable anvils are then moved such that the final ball pockets do not conform to more than a 180 degree circumference of the rounded surface to facilitate removal of the movable anvils from the final ball pockets. A method of assembling a ball bearing assembly is also described.