Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly includes an outer race having a first bore defined by an inner surface of the outer race. A ball cage has an outer surface and a second bore defined by an inner surface of the ball cage. The ball cage is axially received in the first bore of the outer race. At least one of the inner surface of the outer race or the inner surface the ball cage includes a first portion having a cylindrical contour and a second portion having a spherical contour.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint assembly includes an outer race having a first bore defined by an inner surface of the outer race. A ball cage has an outer surface and a second bore defined by an inner surface of the ball cage. The ball cage is axially received in the first bore of the outer race. At least one of the inner surface of the outer race or the inner surface the ball cage includes a first portion having a cylindrical contour and a second portion having a spherical contour.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a constant velocity joint (“CV joint”) and, more particularly, to a Rzeppa CV joint and method of forming the same. The method generally includes the steps of forming a bell shaped outer bearing race and separating the bell shaped outer bearing race into a disc shaped outer bearing race and a stub shaft. The method may further include the step of machining the bell shaped outer bearing race to create the stub shaft integrally connected to the disc shaped outer bearing race, before separating the bell shaped outer bearing race into the disc shaped outer bearing race and the stub shaft.

Abstract: A method of induction heat-treating certain surfaces of an article comprising a hub and a plurality of trunnions or shafts extending therefrom, wherein the surfaces to be heat-treated comprise the surfaces of the trunnions. The method employs an induction coil that provides a planar magnetic field that is adapted to the irregular shape of the article, such that the induction coil produces magnetic fields that are adapted to induce currents in, and thereby heat, the trunnion surfaces of the article. The method and induction coil are particularly adapted to provide an induction hardening heat treatment for trunnion surfaces of trunnions used in steel spiders of spider or tripod-type constant velocity joints.

Abstract: A method of induction heat treating the outer surface of articles having an irregular surface shape. The method employs an induction coil that provides a non-planar magnetic field that is adapted to the irregular shape of the article, such that distinct sections of the induction coil produce distinct magnetic fields that are adapted to induce currents in, and thereby provide heat to, distinct sections of the outer surface of the article. The method and induction coil are particularly adapted to provide an induction hardening heat treatment for the outer surfaces of the inner races of Rzeppa-type constant velocity joints.

Abstract: A tripod bearing assembly is provided including a spider assembly with a trunion. A bearing assembly is press fit onto the trunion. The bearing assembly has an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of needle rollers to permit relative rotation between the inner and outer races. The bearing assembly is axially retained to the spider.

Abstract: A tripod includes a tripod bearing assembly. The tripod bearing assembly has a spider with a trunion radially projecting therefrom. The trunion has a bearing surface formed thereupon. A needle bearing assembly is provided for installation on the bearing surface of said trunion. The bearing assembly includes an outer race, a plurality of rollers and a cage for retaining the rollers to the outer race without bearing against an inner race prior to installation on the trunion.

Abstract: A retaining ring and method of installation are provided to maintain the relative position of an inner joint to an outer joint in a constant velocity joint. The outer joint has an open end, a generally spherical internal surface with a plurality of ball grooves, and an annular groove formed in the internal surface near the open end of the outer joint. An annular ring with a radially extending tab is aligned within one of the ball grooves to axially align the tab with the annular groove. The annular ring is then rotatable within the annular groove to align the tab between two of the ball grooves. The annular ring is rotationally retained within the annular groove.