Abstract: A pinion shaft assembly facilitates assembly of an automotive differential. An angular contact double row ball bearing is assembled to an outer surface of a hollow pinion shaft. An axial pre-load is established and maintained by orbitally forming an outwardly turned portion of the hollow pinion shaft. In some embodiments, the two inner rings are assembled to the pinion shaft. In other embodiments, a raceway may be formed directly on an outer surface of the pinion shaft to eliminate one of the inner rings. The pinion shaft includes a spline, such as an axial spline or a face spline, for fixation to a driveshaft.

Abstract: A differential includes a unitized double row angular contact ball bearing supporting a pinion stub shaft. The bearing includes two inner rings which are slightly separated before assembly. As the stub shaft is inserted into the bearing, one of the inner rings is pushed against a land such as the back of the pinion gear. Pushing the inner rings together ensures a suitable pre-load. The inner rings have an interference fit with the stub shaft such that friction maintains the pre-load without a nut. The bearing and shaft are then inserted between halves of a two-piece case.

Abstract: A pinion shaft assembly facilitates assembly of an automotive differential. An angular contact double row ball bearing is assembled to an outer surface of a hollow pinion shaft. An axial pre-load is established and maintained by orbitally forming an outwardly turned portion of the hollow pinion shaft. In some embodiments, the two inner rings are assembled to the pinion shaft. In other embodiments, a raceway may be formed directly on an outer surface of the pinion shaft to eliminate one of the inner rings. The pinion shaft includes a spline, such as an axial spline or a face spline, for fixation to a driveshaft.