Abstract: A bearing assembly for securing a wheel to a vehicle includes a spindle having a shaft portion defining a longitudinal bore. A flange, adapted for connection to the wheel, projects radially outward from the shaft portion. A threaded region is positioned at one end of the shaft, and a radial shoulder is positioned between the threaded region and the flange. The bearing assembly also includes a driven axle fixedly mounted within the longitudinal bore of the spindle, and a carrier mounted over the shaft portion of the spindle between the threaded region and the radial shoulder. The carrier is adapted for connection to the vehicle. The bearing assembly further includes a pair of tapered bearings mounted between the shaft portion of the spindle and the carrier, and a compression member threaded on the threaded region of the shaft portion for pre-loading the tapered bearings.