Abstract: A shaft and bearing assembly comprising a soft shaft having an outer contact surface having a hardness less than 30 HRC and a bearing assembly having a plurality of rollers. The bearing assembly is configured to be positioned about the shaft with the rollers in rolling contact with the shaft outer contact surface. The rollers have a roller contact surface having a hardness less than 45 HRC.

Abstract: A shaft and bearing assembly comprising a soft shaft having an outer contact surface hardness less than 30 HRC and a bearing assembly having a plurality of rollers. The bearing assembly is configured to be positioned about the shaft with the rollers in rolling contact with the shaft outer contact surface. The rollers have a roller contact surface having a hardness less than 45 HRC.

Abstract: A housing encloses at least a portion of a steering shaft, and a preloaded ball bearing mounted within the housing supports the steering shaft. The preloaded ball bearing has loaded balls that are preloaded and unloaded balls that are free floating, an unloaded ball being positioned between each loaded ball. A split raceway provides two angular contact raceways that are preloaded axially against the loaded balls.

Abstract: A housing encloses at least a portion of a steering shaft, and a preloaded ball bearing mounted within the housing supports the steering shaft. The preloaded ball bearing has loaded balls that are preloaded and unloaded balls that are free floating, an unloaded ball being positioned between each loaded ball. A split raceway provides two angular contact raceways that are preloaded axially against the loaded balls.

Abstract: A plurality of rolling elements is in rolling contact with a metal outer race and is retained within a bearing cage. An annular bushing partially encloses the outer race, the annular bushing being split along a radial plane into two bushing halves molded of an engineered thermoplastic elastomer. The bushing halves are retained axially together such that axial movement of the outer race is limited. The annular bushing may incorporate integral annular seals and may have a rounded radially outward surface to facilitate self-alignment of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A large chamfer on the outer race mates with a matching angled step in the housing bore and eliminates the need for the press fit while still meeting the application requirements. Alternative designs reduce the rotational effort and torque variation of the system and facilitate assembly. The mating tapers give the bearings freedom to self-align and thereby avoid common "clicking" noise.

Abstract: An angular contact bearing is mounted within a housing and a shaft is positioned within the bearing such that an annular space is provided between the bearing and the shaft. A mounting ring of elastomeric polymer is positioned over the shaft and against the bearing inner ring such that a portion of the mounting ring is between the bearing inner ring and the shaft, centering the shaft within the bearing and reducing radial free play. The mounting ring is compressed axially, against the bearing, such that the mounting ring deforms and resiliently spreads radially outwardly and provides a preload on the bearing balls.