Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for locking retaining elements in place. One embodiment is a bearing having an outer race. The race has a first end and a second end. The race includes a flange on the first end that is able to mate with a housing, and the race also includes an annular threaded portion on the second end. The threaded portion receives an annular threaded retaining element that mates with the housing. The race additionally includes an annular protrusion on the second end, concentric with the threaded portion, that is able to be swaged, thereby increasing a diameter of the protrusion to overlap the threaded portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for locking retaining elements in place. One embodiment is a bearing having an outer race. The race has a first end and a second end. The race includes a flange on the first end that is able to mate with a housing, and the race also includes an annular threaded portion on the second end. The threaded portion receives an annular threaded retaining element that mates with the housing. The race additionally includes an annular protrusion on the second end, concentric with the threaded portion, that is able to be swaged, thereby increasing a diameter of the protrusion to overlap the threaded portion.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed having a pair of bearing members movable relative to one another. A space is defined between the bearing members, and a relatively thin coating of a greaseless, self-lubricating material is applied to the surface of at least one of the bearing members. A grease lubricant is disposed in the space defined between the bearing members such that both the grease lubricant and the greaseless material act to substantially lower the friction-generated heat that is encountered during operation.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed having a pair of bearing members movable relative to one another. A space is defined between the bearing members, and a relatively thin coating of a greaseless, self-lubricating material is applied to the surface of at least one of the bearing members. A grease lubricant is disposed in the space defined between the bearing members such that both the grease lubricant and the greaseless material act to substantially lower the friction-generated heat that is encountered during operation.

Abstract: A bearing assembly is disclosed having a pair of bearing members movable relative to one another. A space is defined between the bearing members, and a relatively thin coating of a greaseless, self-lubricating material is applied to the surface of at least one of the bearing members. A grease lubricant is disposed in the space defined between the bearing members such that both the grease lubricant and the greaseless material act to substantially lower the friction-generated heat that is encountered during operation.

Abstract: Exemplary bearing cartridges are provided. An outer retaining member defines a first curved surface lined with a lubricant. An inner, carburized titanium member is received by the outer retaining member. The inner member defines a second curved surface in sliding contact with the first curved surface. A carburized case extends a predetermined distance from the second curved surface into the inner member. The bearing cartridge may be installed in a housing. The outer retaining member may include a ring defining a concave spherical surface. The inner member may include a ball defining a convex spherical surface. Alternately, the outer retaining member may include a bushing defining a concave cylindrical surface or a spherical ball defining a bore that defines a concave cylindrical surface and the inner member may include a pin defining a convex cylindrical surface. The lubricant may include a polytetrafluroethylene-based lubricant.