Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to bearing assemblies, related bearing apparatuses, and related methods. An example of a bearing assembly disclosed herein may include a support structure having a first end and a second end. The bearing assembly also includes a superhard bearing element secured to the first end of the support structure. The superhard bearing element includes a superhard sealing surface that may be configured to contact a sealing surface of an opposing bearing element, a base surface contacting the support structure and opposing the superhard sealing surface, and at least one lateral surface extending between the superhard sealing surface and the base surface. The support structure and the superhard bearing element may both include at least one conduit extending therethrough through which a fluid may flow.

Abstract: Bearings assemblies are provided that include polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces that are engaged with opposing, metal bearing surfaces that include more than trace amounts of diamond solvent-catalyst. In the bearings, the opposing bearing surface is slidingly engaged with the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface along a diamond contact area of the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface, and the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface is a continuous surface along the diamond contact area. Also provided are methods of making and using the bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to bearing assemblies having features that provide heat dissipation for bearing elements, bearing apparatuses including such bearing assemblies, and methods of operating such bearing assemblies and apparatuses. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly includes a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed about an axis. Each superhard bearing element of the plurality of superhard bearing elements has a superhard table including a superhard surface. The bearing assembly includes a support ring structure coupled to the plurality of superhard bearing elements. One or more of the superhard bearing elements includes a superhard table, which may have a thickness at a peripheral that is greater than an average thickness of the superhard table improve heat transfer from such superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: A carrier is supported by a case via a bearing. The bearing comprises an inner race, an outer race, rollers, and a retainer. The inner race has a tapered outer peripheral surface, and is fixed to a carrier. The outer race has a tapered inner peripheral surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the inner race, and is fixed to the case. The rollers is disposed between the inner race and the outer race. An end part of the retainer having a larger diameter makes contact with the case via a first member. The larger diameter end part of the retainer makes contact with the case via a second member. By the retainer making contact with the case and the carrier via the first member and the second member, the retainer can reduce friction compared to when making direct contact with the case and the carrier.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements may include one or more grooves may be formed in the bearing surface thereof. The bearing assembly may also include a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements may include at least one texture feature that may be formed in a lateral surface thereof. The bearing assembly may also include a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: An axial sliding bearing has a sliding ring disposed between two planar, ring-shaped sliding surfaces pressure-stressed against one another. The axial sliding bearing is overload-proof, in particular by about 30% to 80% with regard to the average pressure stress of about 30 to 40 bar per wedge segment that is usual in the case of wedge segment bearings, and at the same time, is not susceptible to axial vibrations, and, in this connection, can be easily produced in terms of production technology, and easily installed, and furthermore does not permit the “snap-over effects” that drastically impair the lubricant wedge effect, so that even under more difficult operating conditions, targeted optimal variation of the wedge angle, adapted to the operating conditions, in each instance, is always guaranteed, and great reliability of the axial sliding bearing, at a long useful lifetime, can be guaranteed, while simultaneously expanding the optimal dynamic supporting range.

Abstract: A rotating assembly adapted for use in turbines and pumps is provided. The rotating assembly includes a shroud that rotates around a central axis and a disk seated in a recess in the shroud so that the disk rotates with the shroud, the disk being oriented perpendicular to the central axis. The rotating assembly also includes a stationary element in which at least one surface of the disk contacts a fluid so that when the fluid flows under pressure, the surface of the disk resists the generation of drag between the surface and the stationary element of the rotating assembly. A shroud is provided that includes a circular recess with a cavity on an outer perimeter extending away from the fixed assembly. A method of manufacturing a rotating assembly is provided.

Abstract: A thrust plate includes an annular-shaped body having a scalloped outer edge that forms a first circumference defined by a first diameter. The thrust plate further includes a plurality of cooling slots formed in a first surface of the body. The cooling slots are formed between each pair of adjacent scallops. A center of each cooling slot extends towards the center of the thrust plate at a common predetermined angle with respect to one another.

Abstract: A rotating assembly adapted for use in turbines and pumps is provided. The rotating assembly includes a shroud that rotates around a central axis and a disk seated in a recess in the shroud so that the disk rotates with the shroud, the disk being oriented perpendicular to the central axis. The rotating assembly also includes a stationary element in which at least one surface of the disk contacts a fluid so that when the fluid flows under pressure, the surface of the disk resists the generation of drag between the surface and the stationary element of the rotating assembly. A shroud is provided that includes a circular recess with a cavity on an outer perimeter extending away from the fixed assembly. A method of manufacturing a rotating assembly is provided.

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes: a torque converter; a stator in the torque converter; and a thrust washer adjacent the stator. The thrust washer includes a circulation circuit formed in the washer to facilitate fluid movement from one side of the washer to another side of the washer.

Abstract: Methods of wearing-in superhard bearing elements over time so that hydrodynamic or near hydrodynamic lubrication of opposed bearing surfaces develops and thrust-bearing apparatuses. In an embodiment, a thrust-bearing apparatus including first and second thrust-bearing assemblies is received or provided. Each thrust-bearing assembly includes a support ring and a plurality of superhard bearing elements mounted circumferentially around the support ring. The superhard bearing elements of each thrust-bearing assembly are oriented so as to be opposed to one another.

Abstract: A thrust race of a thrust roller bearing has a race portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the race portion in an axial direction. At a plurality of locations along a circumferential direction on the cylindrical portion, cutout portions are formed such that each of the cutout portions is recessed in the axial direction from a distal edge of the cylindrical portion toward the race portion. A protrusion is provided at a portion closer to the race portion from a bottom edge of each of the cutout portions such that the protrusion protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical portion toward a side away from the race portion. The protrusion serves as a race-retaining locking portion to prevent a race from moving out from a mating member on which the race is mounted.

Abstract: A typical dynamic bearing design comprises a ring shaped or circular thrust plate mounted at or near the end of a shaft, the shaft defining together with a surrounding sleeve a journal bearing by providing grooves on only one of the two surfaces facing the gap between the shaft and sleeve. On the ring shaped thrust plate supported by the shaft, the traditional upward thrust bearing defined between the lower face of the thrust plate and the facing surface of the sleeve is maintained; but no grooves are on the surface of the thrust plate distant from the shaft and a facing counterplate surface. Further, the journal bearing is defined to have an asymmetry so that a bias force pressure along the surface of the shaft toward the thrust plate is established.

Abstract: Methods for adhering parts together using part gap spacers are provided herein. Part gap spacers are formed in a selected pattern and a selected height on a surface of at least one surface of two parts to be oppositely disposed. When disposed opposite each other, at least some of the part gap spacers contact the opposite surface, and establish a standoff distance that is generally uniform, and thereby creating voids. Adhesive is disposed in at least some of the voids to adhere the part surfaces to each other. Further methods comprise forming part gap spacers on multiple sides of a third part to be disposed intermediate two surfaces. The part gap spacers can be formed in a variety of shapes, including bumps, tapers, ribs, and flange edges.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of inhibiting a thrust bearing capacity of a compression system from being exceeded during a surge event in which a thrust bearing is biased with a biasing force to increase the thrust bearing overload margin between the capacity of thrust bearing to absorb axial forces and the greatest force produced during the surge event. This biasing force can be produced by appropriately sizing the high pressure seal on the side of the impeller opposite to the inlet of a compressor of the compression system so that the back disk force produced in the high pressure region of the high pressure seal and the low pressure region located inwardly of the high pressure region creates the desired bias force value and direction.

Abstract: An angular contact bearing is provided having an outer and inner bearing rings, and a plurality of ball rollers arranged between the bearing rings in two rows having a same reference circular diameter. The ball rollers in each row are held by a respective bearing cage. The ball rollers all have a same or different diameter and each of the ball rollers has two respective lateral faces arranged parallel to one another which are flattened symmetrically from a spherical basic shape and run with running faces in respective groove-shaped raceways defined in an inner face of the outer bearing ring and in an outer face of the inner bearing ring. The raceways have pressure angle axes pitched at a pressure angle with respect to a bearing radial axis. Adjacent ones of the ball rollers of the two rows are spaced apart to exclude mutual frictional contact. An assembly method is also provided.

Abstract: Bearing components, bearing assemblies and related methods are provided. In one embodiment, a bearing element includes a base layer and a polycrystalline diamond (PCD) layer comprising a plurality of PCD elements coupled with the base layer wherein each PCD element comprising a substrate and a diamond table. The plurality of PCD elements may be fit together to form a substantially continuous bearing surface. For example, the diamond tables may exhibit substantially square or rectangular geometries that are fit together to define the bearing surface. In other embodiments, the bearing elements may be spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the bearing element may include a single PCD element formed from a prefabricated PCD compact or cutting tool blank. Various bearing assemblies may incorporate such a bearing element including, for example, thrust bearings, journal bearings, and tilting pad bearing assemblies.

Abstract: Bearing assemblies, apparatuses, and motor assemblies using the same are disclosed. In an embodiment, a bearing assembly may include a plurality of superhard bearing elements distributed circumferentially about an axis. Each of the superhard bearing elements may include a bearing surface. At least one of the plurality of superhard bearing elements may include at least one texture feature that may be formed in a lateral surface thereof. The bearing assembly may also include a support ring that carries the superhard bearing elements.

Abstract: A method includes providing a journal bearing blank that includes an axis, an inner surface disposed at an inner diameter, an outer surface disposed at an outer diameter, a first axial surface, a second, opposing axial surface, and a lubricant opening that extends between the inner surface and the outer surface; along the inner surface, milling a well that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis, milling an arm that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis and that extends from the well to the first axial surface of the journal bearing, and milling an opposing arm that spans an azimuthal angle about the axis and that extends from the well to the second axial surface of the journal bearing; and inserting the journal bearing in a bore of a turbocharger center housing. Various other devices, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary bearing for a turbocharger includes one or more thrust pads where each thrust pad includes a portion of a conical well; and a through-bore that includes lubricant channels, each channel configured to direct lubricant from the bore to a corresponding conical well of a thrust pad. Other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding material sliding material includes: a sliding plane member; a base member made of a material different from that of the sliding plane member; an intermediate member provided between the sliding plane member and the base member and formed with a plurality of spaces; and a joining member for bonding the intermediate member to the base member, in which a portion of the space formed to the intermediate member is impregnated with a portion of the sliding plane member so that the sliding plane member is bonded to the intermediate member, and a residual portion of the space of the intermediate member is impregnated with a portion of the joining member so that the base member is bonded to the intermediate member with the joining member therebetween.

Abstract: A thrust ring for an undercarriage in a track-type machine includes an annular body having an outer circular edge and an inner circular edge defining a common center axis. A first set of oil grooves and a first set of thrust faces are positioned in an alternating arrangement on each of a first axial side and a second axial side of the annular body. Each of the oil grooves includes a cross sectional contour shaped to balance an oil flow property of the thrust ring with a strength property of the thrust ring, and defining a non-uniform curve which includes a plurality of curve segments each having a different radial attribute. The thrust ring defines a Plouzek value equal to 1.

Abstract: A method of extending the life of a journal bearing assembly in a solid fuel pulverizer includes: removing a first lower journal bearing from a journal shaft and a lower bearing seat of a lower bearing housing; removing a first upper journal bearing from the shaft and an upper bearing seat of an upper bearing housing; modifying the lower and upper bearing seats; modifying lower and upper shoulders on the journal shaft; disposing the second lower and upper journal bearings on the modified lower and upper bearing seats; disposing a new journal bearing spacer between the second lower and upper journal bearings; disposing a new journal bearing collar between the upper shoulder and the second upper journal bearing; filling a cavity defined by the lower and upper journal housings with grease; and disposing a seal assembly between the shaft and one end of the upper journal housing opposite the lower journal housing to prevent the ingress of solid fuel into the cavity of the journal assembly.

Abstract: A thrust bearing component is formed of cold-reduced steel sheets and strip having surface roughness of Rmax?2 ?m and provided by cold rolling a high-carbon steel containing 0.9 wt % to 1.2 wt % of carbon, 1.2 wt % to 1.7 wt % of chrome, 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt % of manganese, and 0.15 wt % to 0.35 wt % of silicon.

Abstract: A thrust bearing assembly includes an upper thrust bearing and a lower thrust bearing for an engine assembly of a vehicle and which, are preferably, identically configured. The thrust bearings each include an arcuate bearing shell with a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, and each includes a pair of axially spaced flanges extending radially outwardly of the bearing shells. The flanges may be formed as one piece with the bearing shell, and one flange is thicker than the other flange. The thicker flanges are load bearing and preferably contoured, whereas the thinner flanges are not. The bearings are installed with the thick flange of each bearing matched radially opposite the thin flange of the companion bearing to minimize fatigue and failure normally attributed to repeated seating and unseating of bearing assemblies having flanges of equal thickness caused by changing bending loads imparted by a shaft.

Abstract: A clutch release bearing device having an interior and an exterior raceway. The exterior raceway is equipped with a ring wall being retracted underneath the path radius of an inner roller body raceway. An interior sealing device is provided, including a ring element axially supported on an inner radial wall section of the retracted ring wall.

Abstract: There is disclosed a bearing to support a rotating shaft. The bearing includes a cylindrical housing defining a central opening. A plurality of bearing pads integrally coupled to the housing with each bearing pad having a circumferential surface defining a portion of the central opening. A plurality of pins disposed in a bore defined in the housing, with each pin aligned as a pivot for each corresponding pad. Each pad can tilt about the pin in relation to the rotating shaft. Each pad is coupled to the housing by a pair of webs defined by a plurality of cuts forming a plurality of openings in the housing substantially parallel to a line tangent with the circumferential surface of the pad. Each pin is aligned parallel with the rotating pad.

Abstract: A thrust race of a thrust roller bearing has a race portion and a cylindrical portion extending from the race portion in an axial direction. At a plurality of locations along a circumferential direction on the cylindrical portion, cutout portions are formed such that each of the cutout portions is recessed in the axial direction from a distal edge of the cylindrical portion toward the race portion. A protrusion is provided at a portion closer to the race portion from a bottom edge of each of the cutout portions such that the protrusion protrudes in a radial direction from the cylindrical portion toward a side away from the race portion. The protrusion serves as a race-retaining locking portion to prevent a race from moving out from a mating member on which the race is mounted.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydrodynamic bearing (30) includes the following steps. First, a substrate having a surface with multiple protrusions thereon is formed. The protrusions are adapted for forming grooves in a preform. The preform, when finally processed, becomes a shaft of the hydrodynamic bearing or a bearing of the hydrodynamic bearing. Second, a feedstock of binder and powder is pushed to the surface of the substrate to form the perform on the surface of the substrate. Third, the substrate is removed from the preform. Fourth, the preform is sintered. Fifth, the preform is precision machined to obtain the shaft or the bearing, as the case may be. In the shaft or bearing, the grooves are for generating hydrodynamic pressure.

Abstract: An aircraft thrust bearing assembly utilizing a U-shaped bearing disposed over a portion of a thrust bearing shaft, both within a housing that is mounted to the front of an engine utilized for driving an aircraft propeller. The thrust bearing shaft rides in the U-shaped bearing, wherein the U-shaped bearing separates the thrust bearing shaft from the housing. The front of the thrust bearing shaft has a mounting plate for attachment of a propeller, the mounting plate being machined to be perpendicular to the rotational axis of the thrust bearing shaft. The rear of the thrust bearing shaft comprises an outer surface adapted to receive a gear press-fitted thereon and an aperture within the shaft that is dimensioned to fixedly receive therewithin an end portion of the crankshaft of the engine being selected for propulsion of the aircraft.

Abstract: A dynamic bearing device is provided, which can prevent abrasion powder generated when a sealing member is pushed into an inner circumference of a housing from entering the housing. A sealing member is inserted into an inner circumference of an opening of a housing with an adhesive interposed therebetween The adhesive moving forward in a pushing direction of the sealing member is retained by a capillary action in a lower tapered space between an outer circumference of the sealing member and the inner circumference of the housing. Abrasion powder is captured by the adhesive in the tapered space so as to be confined in the adhesive as a result of the setting of the adhesive.

Abstract: A trunnion of a universal joint cross-shaped member supports a bearing cup, thrust washer, and needle bearing assembly. The thrust washer includes a first surface that faces the bearing cup and a second surface that faces an end face of the trunnion. A first lip extends outwardly from the first surface to contact the bearing cup and a second lip extends outwardly from the second surface to contact the needle bearing assembly. The first and second lips cooperate to hold the bearing cup and needle bearing assembly in a proper installation for final assembly to form a universal joint assembly.

Abstract: A full complement taper roller bearing consists of an inner ring or cone having an inner track on its radially outer conical surface, and an outer ring or cup having an outer track on its radially inward conical surface and one or more rows of taper rollers having a contact angle of less than 30 degrees freely disposed between the inner and outer rings and guided between said tracks. Each row of rollers is axially located within a recess on the inner track defined by a shoulder abutment disposed at least at the edge of the inner track having the greatest diameter and each of the rollers is in contact with the inner track over the entire length of the taper roller in the axial direction of the bearing. A method of assembly is also enclosed.

Abstract: A plate-like material is pressed and a middle concave portion centered on a center axis is formed in one axial surface of the material. Likely, an annular concave portion centered on a center axis and radially outwardly arranged is formed in one and/or the other axial surface of the material. The material is then cut along a radially outer rim of the middle concave portion, and between a radially outer rim and a radially inner rim of the annular concave portion. In this way, a thrust plate having indented portions at radially inside and outside portion of the one and/or the other axial surface thereof is manufactured. A burr formed in press working is accommodate within the indented portion and does not axially protrude from the one and/or the other axial surface of the thrust plate.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a roller thrust bearing having a plurality of rows of rollers, the bearing featuring reduced differential slip, reduced friction and wear, and increased longevity without flaking. The method includes forming a cage to accommodate the rollers, crowning the rollers, and arranging the rollers in pockets such that the rollers held by a pocket have respective end surfaces in direct contact with each other.

Abstract: An exemplary bearing for a turbocharger includes one or more thrust pads where each thrust pad includes a portion of a conical well; and a through-bore that includes lubricant channels, each channel configured to direct lubricant from the bore to a corresponding conical well of a thrust pad. Other exemplary technologies are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaft with a roller bearing. The roller bearing has an inner ring with an outer surface for rolling elements to roll on. According to the invention, the inner ring of the roller bearing is embedded, at least partially, into the shaft, which has been produced using primary forming methods, and the outer surface of the inner ring is exposed, at least in a part, in the axial direction and over its entire circumference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple-row and axially biased angular ball bearing with a one-piece outer ring and an inner ring consisting of two inner ring halves. In order to facilitate an easy and precise setting of the desired pretensioning force and to produce a transport-safe mount cartridge, it is intended that the axial distance of at least two close-end contact surfaces of the angular ball bearing should be equal to zero in the pretensioned state, and that the axial distance of at least two close-end contact surfaces of the angular ball bearing should be greater than zero in a nonpretensioned state.

Abstract: Thrust bearing device 1 comprising a first ring 4, a second ring 5, a row of rolling elements 6 arranged between the rings, a cage 7 for retaining the rolling elements 6 and a sleeve 8 for retaining the said rings, the retaining cage 7 and sleeve 8 being produced from deep-drawn sheet metal, the sleeve comprising a retaining portion 8b extending radially outwards, the retaining portion 8b being inscribed within a circle having a diameter substantially equal to the bore of the said cage 7.

Abstract: A support structure carries a thrust load of a transmission which includes a torque converter having an impeller and a turbine opposite to each other with a stator therebetween. A thrust needle roller bearing having needle rollers arranged in two rows is provided at, at least one of places respectively between the stator and the impeller and between the stator and the turbine. The support structure carrying a thrust load of the transmission, a method of manufacturing the support structure and the thrust needle roller bearing are thus obtained, with an improvement in inflow and outflow of a lubricating oil, a reduction of the differential slip of the needle rollers, and an improvement in strength durability.

Abstract: A cage includes a radially inward-side annular plate, a radially outward-side annular wall, a plurality of pillar portions, and pockets formed in the pillar portions. Rollers are rotatably retained in the pockets. An inner peripheral surface of the radially outward-side annular wall is formed so as to be oblique toward a radially outward direction. A radially outward-side end surface of each of the rollers has a spherical surface shape.

Abstract: A heated tool is depressed onto the upper surface of a work in process piece made from a thermoplastic or thermosetting resin to deform the work in process piece, so that a concave portion is formed. In this way, a thrust plate with the concave portion can be manufactured easily and readily. By properly choosing a tool according to the radius of curvature of the lower end of a shaft, a concave portion having an appropriate radius of curvature can be formed on the work in process piece, and a thrust plate with high wear resistance can be manufactured.

Abstract: A fluid dynamic bearing with a modified air-gap is disclosed. One embodiment provides a clamp adjacent to the fluid dynamic bearing, the clamp for clamping at least one disk with respect to the fluid dynamic bearing. In addition, a cap is also provided proximal to a shaft of the fluid dynamic bearing, the cap having an outer end proximal to the clamp such that an air-gap is provided between the outer end of the cap and the clamp.

Abstract: A sliding material sliding material includes: a sliding plane member; a base member made of a material different from that of the sliding plane member; an intermediate member provided between the sliding plane member and the base member and formed with a plurality of spaces; and a joining member for bonding the intermediate member to the base member, in which a portion of the space formed to the intermediate member is impregnated with a portion of the sliding plane member so that the sliding plane member is bonded to the intermediate member, and a residual portion of the space of the intermediate member is impregnated with a portion of the joining member so that the base member is bonded to the intermediate member with the joining member therebetween.

Abstract: A collar bearing comprising a bearing shell and at least one thrust washer, whereby the at least one thrust washer is fixed on an outer convex circumferential surface of the bearing shell to define a joint site that extends between the convex outer circumferential surface of the bearing shell and a concave inner circumferential surface of the thrust washer, the at least one thrust washer being welded along a weld seam to the bearing shell such that the weld seam extends axially between an outer thrust facing and an opposite inner surface of the at least one thrust washer, and the weld seam extends over only a part of the joint site.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved rocker arm system for actuating poppet valves in high performance internal combustion engines. The rocker arm provides trunnion journals extending from each side fitted to outboard bearing mounts to guide the motion of the rocker arm. An I-beam rocker arm having high stiffness and low mass is disclosed.

Abstract: A sleeve has a thrust dynamic pressure generating groove arrangement for generating a dynamic pressure in a thrust direction between another member and the sleeve. The sleeve is formed in the following manner. First, a mold is prepared which is provided with a portion corresponding to the thrust dynamic pressure generating groove arrangement. Injection molding is carried out by using this mold and material containing binders and metal particulates, thereby forming a work-in-process piece having the thrust dynamic pressure groove arrangement in a cavity of the mold. Then, binders in the work-in-process piece are removed by heating, and thereafter metal particulates in the work-in-process piece are sintered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system, comprising a camshaft with at least two bearing points, a two-part camshaft receptacle which has, in a lower part, at least two bearing saddles and, in an upper part, at least two bearing covers corresponding to the bearing saddles, the camshaft being mounted with its bearing points in the bearing saddles and bearing covers. Further, bearing half shells are provided, of which in each case two are arranged in pairs between a bearing point and the bearing saddle and bearing cover receiving this bearing point, so that, the bearing half shells are supported on the bearing saddle or bearing cover and in each case two bearing half shells, together with a bearing point form a radial plain bearing.

Abstract: The thrust member is inserted into the inner circumferential surface of the housing, to make the end face of the thrust member contact with the lower side end face of the flange portion, and at the same time, to make the upper side end face of the flange portion contact with the lower side end face of the bearing sleeve. This stated is that the thrust bearing gap is zero. Then, the thrust member is made to relatively move with respect to the housing and the bearing sleeve in the axial direction together with the axis member, with a dimension ?(?=?1+?2) that is equivalent to the sum of the thrust bearing gap (size is ?1) of the first thrust bearing portion and the thrust bearing gap (size is ?2) of the second thrust bearing portion. Then, as the thrust member is fixed to the housing at that position, the predetermined thrust bearing gap ?(?=?1+?2) is formed.