Abstract: An idler roll bearing assembly, made by a method, includes a shaft having a non-grooved outer surface. A shell extends about the shaft and is rotatable relative to the shaft. A rolling bearing is secured to the shaft. A roll head is secured to the rolling bearing. The roll head includes a portion preventing axial displacement of the rolling bearing. The shell is supported for the relative rotation by the roll head. A retaining sleeve is located on the shaft to prevent axial displacement of the rolling bearing. The sleeve has an interior surface in engagement with the non-grooved outer surface of the shaft. An inner diameter of the sleeve and an outer diameter of the shaft are sized such that the sleeve is secured onto the shaft by frictional interference fit and the sleeve is maintained at a position on the shaft by the frictional interference.

Abstract: A spindle and hub assembly for a vehicle wheel is constructed so that, in the event of a failure of the bearing arrangement rotatably supporting the hub on the spindle, separation of the hub from the spindle will not immediately occur but will be prevented for a period of time sufficient for the operator of the vehicle to safely continue to advance the vehicle to a location where corrective action may be taken. An annulus supported on the spindle is secured to the spindle by a nut separate from the annulus, and the annulus has an outside diameter large enough such that a shoulder located within the opening in the hub through which the spindle extends is capable of engaging the annulus in the absence of the bearing arrangement, thereby preventing the hub from separating from the spindle.

Abstract: An idler roll bearing assembly, made by a method, includes a shaft having a non-grooved outer surface. A shell extends about the shaft and is rotatable relative to the shaft. A rolling bearing is secured to the shaft. A roll head is secured to the rolling bearing. The roll head includes a portion preventing axial displacement of the rolling bearing. The shell is supported for the relative rotation by the roll head. A retaining sleeve is located on the shaft to prevent axial displacement of the rolling bearing. The sleeve has an interior surface in engagement with the non-grooved outer surface of the shaft. An inner diameter of the sleeve and an outer diameter of the shaft are sized such that the sleeve is secured onto the shaft by frictional interference fit and the sleeve is maintained at a position on the shaft by the frictional interference.

Abstract: An assembled idler roll having an outer shell and end bearing assemblies. The bearing assemblies each have an outer race and an inner race. The inner race is press fitted onto a roller shaft to an initial position which is spaced inwardly from a final desired position. The outer shell of the roll is restrained and the shaft is reciprocated along its longitudinal axis to determine the degree of axial movement. The inner race of the bearing assembly is moved from its initial position to its final position as determined by the degree of axial movement.

Abstract: An assembled idler roll having an outer shell and end bearing assemblies. The bearing assemblies each have an outer race and an inner race. The inner race is press fitted onto a roller shaft to an initial position which is spaced inwardly from a final desired position. The outer shell of the roll is restrained and the shaft is reciprocated along its longitudinal axis to determine the degree of axial movement. The inner race of the bearing assembly is moved from its initial position to its final position as determined by the degree of axial movement.

Abstract: A method of assembling an idler roll having an outer shell and end bearing assemblies. The bearing assemblies each have an outer race and an inner race. The inner race is press fitted onto a roller shaft to an initial position which is spaced inwardly from a final desired position. The outer shell of the roll is restrained and the shaft is reciprocated along its longitudinal axis to determine the degree of axial movement. The inner race of the bearing assembly is moved from its initial position to its final position as determined by the degree of axial movement.