Abstract: A retainer (30) for maintaining a relative angular spacing of a plurality of rolling elements includes a body (34) having an annular portion (38) and a plurality of engaging portions (42). Each of the engaging portions is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of rolling elements. The body is made of a sintered powdered metal infiltrated with bronze.

Abstract: A method of forming a component from a powder metal includes forming the component to a desired shape from the powder metal, heating the component to a burnishing temperature of 900 to 1300 degrees Fahrenheit, and burnishing a surface of the component while the component is at the burnishing temperature to densify the surface.

Abstract: A method of forming a component includes heating the component to a burnishing temperature above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and burnishing a surface of the component while the component is at the burnishing temperature to densify the surface. The burnishing process at an elevated temperature may be integrated into other processes, such as the sintering or heat treating processes.

Abstract: A method of forming a component includes heating the component to a burnishing temperature above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and burnishing a surface of the component while the component is at the burnishing temperature to densify the surface. The burnishing process at an elevated temperature may be integrated into other processes, such as the sintering or heat treating processes.

Abstract: A retainer (30) for maintaining a relative angular spacing of a plurality of rolling elements includes a body (34) having an annular portion (38) and a plurality of engaging portions (42). Each of the engaging portions is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of rolling elements. The body is made of a sintered powdered metal infiltrated with bronze.

Abstract: A wheel end or other assembly for facilitating rotation about an axis includes a tubular housing, a spindle that extends into the housing, and a double row antifriction bearing between the housing and spindle. The bearing includes at least one separate inner race that fits over the spindle, with the axial position of that race determining the setting for the bearing. Preferably, a spacer fits around the spindle between the inner race and a backing element. The assembly is unitized by deforming the end of the spindle outwardly against the end of the separate inner race with the deformation being sufficient to drive the inner race toward the backing element and collapse the spacer, if present. The deformation of the end of the spindle continues until bearing produces a torque that reflects a desired preload in the bearing.