Abstract: Wheel bearing flanges and wheel bearings are disclosed. The wheel bearing flange may include a flange connected to an inner ring of a bearing, the flange having a front surface facing away from the inner ring and a rear surface facing towards the inner ring. A plurality of geometric features may extend from the rear surface in an axial direction and define recessed regions of the flange therebetween. The geometric features may be formed in a pattern and the geometric features may include ribs.

Abstract: Bead seals and methods of forming the same are disclosed for bearing assemblies. A bearing assembly may include an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements supported therebetween. An annular seal may be disposed between the inner and outer rings, the seal including a metal portion having a mating surface configured to contact a wall of the inner ring. A bead seal may be secured to the mating surface and may extend around a circumference of the seal, the bead seal contacting and forming a seal between the mating surface and the wall of the inner ring. The bead seal may be secured to/within a groove formed in the mating surface. The bead seal may be over-molded on the groove. The disclosed bead seal(s) may reduce or replace other sealants or sealing members in the assembly.

Abstract: Bead seals and methods of forming the same are disclosed, for example, for bearing assemblies. A bearing assembly may include an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of rolling elements supported therebetween. An annular seal may be disposed between the inner and outer rings, the seal including a metal portion having a mating surface configured to contact a wall of the inner ring. A bead seal may be secured to the mating surface and may extend around a circumference of the seal, the bead seal contacting and forming a seal between the mating surface and the wall of the inner ring. The bead seal may be secured to/within a groove formed in the mating surface. For example, the bead seal may be over-molded on the groove. The disclosed bead seal(s) may reduce or replace other sealants or sealing members in the assembly.