Abstract: A method of making a wheel end to be installed on a vehicle includes assembling a rotor and components with bearing surfaces to define an assembled module configured to be mounted to the vehicle, and preloading the bearing surfaces of the assembled module in a set amount as required for mounting the assembled module to the vehicle. The method further includes mounting the assembled module on a holding fixture and rotating the assembled module on the holding fixture. The method further includes, while rotating the preloaded assembled module machining the face of the hub flange prior to affixing a rotor to the flange, and then machining a final cut on the rotor once the rotor is affixed to the flange. After machining, the assembled module remains preloaded with the set amount of preload as the assembled module is installed on the vehicle, thereby providing reduced lateral runout.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an axial force controlling method for controlling an axial force applied to a rolling bearing in a bearing apparatus having a shaft body, the rolling bearing being mounted to the shaft body such that the rolling bearing fits an outside of the shaft body, and the bearing apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus to supply a pivot assembly manufacturing method that can reliably fix a hub cap and, in addition, can solve the problem of out gas also, and can reduce the expense and man-days incidental to the pre-load of a ball bearing. Ball bearings 2 are mated to both ends of a shaft 1, and in the outer circumferences of these ball bearings 2 a spacer 31 mated a sleeve 3 disposed between both ball bearings 2, and to the inner circumference of the upper end part of the shaft 1 a hub cap 4 that blocks the outside end face of the ball bearings 2 is fixed by laser welding.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing involves providing a sub-unit including a shaft and a bevel gear associated with the shaft, and also providing a first support member and a second support member. A first bearing is positioned between the sub-unit and first support member. A second bearing is positioned between the second support member and the sub-unit. The first support member is connected to the second support member. Preload on the first and second bearings is adjusted. At least the sub-unit, the first support member, the second support member, the first bearing, and the second bearing constitute an assembly capable of being installed in a housing.

Abstract: A method of assembling a bearing house for a rotary shaft, such as a camshaft, comprising a bearing cap secured to a relatively massive component, such as a cylinder head. The bearing cap and the massive component afford respective semi-circular recesses which cooperate to define a circular hole in which the rotary shaft may be received. The method comprises connecting the bearing cap to the massive component, deforming at least spaced portions of the bearing cap into intimate contact with the massive component so as to produce a unique relocation position, boring the circular hole in the bearing cap and the massive component, removing the bearing cap, inserting the shaft into the semi-circular recess afforded by the massive component and reconnecting the bearing cap to the massive component.

Abstract: An improved method and structure for setting pinion bearing preload and fastener clamp load in a vehicle differential is provided. The apparatus and method provide a preload spacer readily accessible outboard of the pinion bearings and input yoke. Pinion bearing preload is set according to the present invention by the force of the pinion gear on the inner cone of an inner bearing and the force of an input yoke on the outer cone of an outer bearing. As a nut is torqued into contact with the input yoke, a preload spacer limits the movement of the nut as the input yoke engages the outer cone. This provides for consistent preload on the bearings and allows for increased clamp load for retaining the nut.

Abstract: A method of attaching a bearing (216) and hub (214) to a knuckle (212) in a corner assembly (220) of a vehicle to prevent the introduction of lateral moments into a plurality of rollers (232,234,232′,234′) retained in the bearing (216). The bearing (216) has an inner race (222) and an outer race (226) with the plurality of rollers (232,234,232′,234′) being retained between an outer race (226) and an inner race (222). The hub (214) has a cylindrical body with a flange (220) located adjacent a first end (219) and a mounting surface (224) located adjacent a second end (213). The flange (220) has a plurality of axial openings (250,250′ . . . 250n) that are spaced in an arc with respect to an axis of the cylindrical body. After the inner race (222) is located on the mounting surface (224), the inner race (222) is fixed to the cylindrical body. Thereafter, hub (214) is placed on a tool (242) such that a plurality of pins (248,248′ . . .

Abstract: A rolling-bearing unit comprising a pair of bearing assembled such that the tolerance range of the radial clearance or contact angle of the ball bearings is divided into a plurality of divisions, and that a pair of ball bearings is selected from the same division, and that a pre-load, which is set according to the division, is applied to the selected pair of ball bearings as they are installed in the unit.

Abstract: A method for setting one or more hydrodynamic bearing gaps in a disc drive spindle motor is provided. In one embodiment, a method setting one or more hydrodynamic bearing gaps in a disc drive spindle motor includes disposing a rotary member against one or more working surfaces such that substantially no gap exists therebetween and inducing creep between the rotary member and the working surfaces. The creep creates a bearing gap therebetween the rotary member and at least one of the working surfaces. The creep may be induced by thermally cycling the motor components or applying a force to a tool coupled to a member having at least one of the working surfaces disposed thereon.

Abstract: An automotive hub assembly, which carries a brake disk, has a hub provided with a spindle which rotates in a housing on a double row antifriction bearing having its raceways oriented obliquely to the axis of rotation so that the bearing accommodates both radial and axial loads. The bearing is set to a condition of preload so no free motion exists in it. The hub also has a flange at one end of its spindle, and the flange is machined on its face that is presented away from the housing to provide a machined mounting surface against which the brake disk is installed. The machining occurs after the hub assembly is assembled. To this end, the housing of the hub assembly is held fast while the hub is rotated on the bearing. With the hub rotating, a cutting tool is moved across the face of the flange, and it produces the machined mounting surface which is perpendicular to the axis of the bearing. The machined mounting surface has essentially no runout, so that the brake disk acquires no runout from the hub assembly.

Abstract: A pair of threadably engaged sleeves are supported around a shaft, and engage the outer races of a pair of shaft mounted tapered roller bearings to apply a tensile preload on the outer races.

Abstract: One or more force application members (e.g., a force transmission member and/or a hydraulic force application member) may be employed to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., a preload and/or a compression) to an adjustable spacer of a bearing assembly. The hydraulic force application member may provide a first stage of the adjustment to the spacer, and the force transmission member may be threadingly rotated to apply a second stage of the adjustment to the spacer. An additional force application member may (e.g., contemporaneously) oppose at least one of the force application members in the providing of the adjustment to the spacer. This opposing force may cause a gap between certain surfaces (e.g., in a press) until the adjustment to the spacer is completed. The closure of the gap may serve to indicate the completion of the desired adjustment to the spacer. A housing rotatable on a portion of the bearing assembly may be prevented from rotating at the closure of the gap.

Abstract: At a surface opposite to a mounting surface 28 at a part of the mounting flange 13, a projecting part 27 is provided so as to surround the opening part of the mounting holes 23 for press-fitting each stud thereinto. A finishing process of the mounting surface 28 is carried out after the stud 24 is press-fitted into the mounting hole 23.

Abstract: One or more force application members (e.g., a force transmission member and/or a hydraulic force application member) may be employed to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., a preload and/or a compression) to an adjustable spacer of a bearing assembly. The hydraulic force application member may provide a first stage of the adjustment to the spacer, and the force transmission member may be threadingly rotated to apply a second stage of the adjustment to the spacer. An additional force application member may (e.g., contemporaneously) oppose at least one of the force application members in the providing of the adjustment to the spacer. This opposing force may cause a gap between certain surfaces (e.g., in a press) until the adjustment to the spacer is completed. The closure of the gap may serve to indicate the completion of the desired adjustment to the spacer. A housing rotatable on a portion of the bearing assembly may be prevented from rotating at the closure of the gap.

Abstract: A differential allowing relatively easy alignment and secure positioning of bearings is provided. The differential includes a differential carrier and a differential case disposed within the carrier. A bearing assembly is located between the differential carrier and the differential case and allows the differential case to rotate within the differential carrier. The differential carrier and a cup of the bearing assembly having mating threads allowing relatively easy alignment of the bearing assembly within the differential. A deformable member is attached to the bearing assembly cup and is deformed and inserted into a slot in the differential carrier upon alignment of the bearing assembly to securely position the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A fixture for pre-loading a pivot assembly has a stationary base and a tool that is axially movable relative to the base. The tool has a platen with a pre-load mass and a cylindrical enclosure. A sphere is suspended within the enclosure but is free to roll and move laterally along three degrees of freedom. The pivot assembly has an external sleeve with a coaxial shaft mounted on bearings. Each ball bearing has an inner ring, an outer ring, and balls in between. The rings are adhesively bonded to the shaft and sleeve. The pivot is placed on the base of the fixture and the tool is lowered. The sphere is free to “float” within the enclosure until it makes contact with the inner ring of the upper bearing in the pivot. Upon contact, the compliant, rolling sphere automatically self-aligns with the pivot. The pre-load mass applies the desired force against the pivot until the adhesive cures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of installing a bearing and hub in a steering knuckle. The method provides fitting an outer race into the knuckle with an interference fit, fitting first rolling elements between first raceways such that they seat along the first raceways, ascertaining an axial position of an initially separate inner race that will place the bearing in a predetermined condition of preload when the initially separate inner race is fitted over the hub with an interference fit and against the abutment face, installing the initially separate inner race on the hub with an interference fit and against an abutment face in the positioned ascertained, and capturing the initially separate inner race against the abutment face and in abutment on the hub to insure that it retains the position ascertained and that the bearing operates in preload.

Abstract: A ball screw device utilizes spacers having concave ball-contacting surfaces with distributed protrusions or dimples. Balls having needle-like recesses may also be used. The spacers are provided in two thicknesses, and the relative numbers of the thinner and thicker spacers are selected in order to ensure retention of the spacers in their proper positions, while providing a small clearance between the balls and spacers to avoid fluctuations or sharp increases in dynamic torque.

Abstract: A part clamping fixture assembly for locating and holding a wheel hub assembly for final finishing a flange face of the wheel hub includes a top portion having a bore formed therethrough. The fixture assembly includes a puller member having an upper end for communicating with a drive mechanism and a lower end opposite the upper end. The puller member has an encasing disposed therearound. The encasing has a lower portion for engaging a bearing of the wheel hub assembly and an upper portion in communication with the top portion. The fixture assembly also includes a lift mechanism for lifting the wheel hub assembly generally upward such that a surface of the bearing engages the lower end of the puller member. The lift mechanism is engageable with the lower end of the puller member such that the drive mechanism will rotate the puller member and the lift mechanism together to accomplish the final finishing of the flange face.

Abstract: An improved connecting rod assembly and method for making a connecting rod wherein the installation of the bearing sleeve members in the large bearing end of the connecting rod is improved. The connecting rod is forged, and then notches are cut in the large bearing end to define a separation plane about which the large bearing end is subsequently separated to form a cap member and a body member. Sleeve bearing members are inserted into the cap member and body member. Free ends of the sleeve bearing members project beyond associated surfaces of the cap and body members a predetermined distance. Upon compressive re-attachment of the cap member to the body member, the free ends of the bearing members are compressed and deformed to provide protrusions that extend into the notch. The protrusions help to prevent rotation of the bearing members relative to the bearing housing.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a low-friction ball-and-socket joint is provided in which a ball pivot with a pivot area and with a joint ball made in one piece therewith is first introduced into a bearing shell (2, 2.1, 2.2) and the latter is in turn introduced through an opening (4) into a joint housing (5), wherein the opening (4) of the housing (3) is closed by a housing cover (5) after the introduction of the components. The pivot area (1.1) of the ball pivot (1) is then introduced into a recording device of a torque measuring device to determine the torque of the joint between the bearing shells (2.1,2.2) and the joint ball (1.2). The housing cover (5) is then permanently fixed by a rolling device (10) by bending over a rolled edge (9) of the housing arranged on the housing (3). The torque of the joint is continuously measured during the rolling operation and is compared with a presettable set point. The housing cover (5) displaces the upper bearing shell (2.

Abstract: Apparatus and method precisely preload bearings onto shafts. A swivel plate swivels up to 360° and locks a rotary shaft axially with a motor shaft. A shim and bearing adjacent the shim preload onto shaft shoulder by lock nut secured to the threaded shaft. The lock nut forces the bearing inner race to expand outwardly, preloading the bearing. A force sensor measures torque on the bearing outer race. Measured torque is monitored within a predetermined range to establish the precisely loaded bearing. The method slides a shim onto support shaft shoulder. A bearing is slid onto tapered surface, and lock nut tightened onto the threaded shaft. The lock nut expands the bearing inner race, reducing the distance between the inner and outer races and preloading the bearing. The outer race at a predetermined, constant speed has torque monitored to a predetermined range to provide a precisely preloaded bearing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the installation of pretensioned roller bearings (2), in particular angular ball bearings, for example, in wheel carriers of automobiles, airplanes, and the like. The invention is characterized in that the installation apparatus, with a measurement probe (5), lies against a stop, a shoulder, or the like, in the axial area of the bearing race of one roller bearing, on the shaft side, and that upon tightening the shaft nut (3) against the bearing race of the other roller bearing, on the shaft side, its axial shift with respect to the stop is determined, wherein when the shaft nut is tightened, a torque wrench is used to determine the applied torque, which permits it to differentiate between the actual tensioning process of the roller bearing (2) and the previous process to bring the shaft nut (3) to the stop. The invention also concerns an installation apparatus to implement the method.

Abstract: An application tool (and a method of use of the tool) is provided for assembling an outboard seal and roller assembly into a hub unit. The tool and method allow for the use of standard seals and standard cage/roller assemblies, thus avoiding the problem associated with the use of special cages or oversized large-diameter seals.

Abstract: An intelligent power tool system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.

Abstract: A fixture for pre-loading a pivot assembly has a stationary base and a tool that is axially movable relative to the base. The tool has a platen with a pre-load mass and a cylindrical enclosure. A sphere is suspended within the enclosure but is free to roll and move laterally along three degrees of freedom. The pivot assembly has an external sleeve with a coaxial shaft mounted on bearings. Each ball bearing has an inner ring, an outer ring, and balls in between. The rings are adhesively bonded to the shaft and sleeve. The pivot is placed on the base of the fixture and the tool is lowered. The sphere is free to “float” within the enclosure until it makes contact with the inner ring of the upper bearing in the pivot. Upon contact, the compliant, rolling sphere automatically self-aligns with the pivot. The pre-load mass applies the desired force against the pivot until the adhesive cures.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a bearing onto a shaft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base plate and a support mounted to and extending upward from the base plate. The support is capable of supporting a shaft. The shaft has a shoulder, a tapered surface adjacent to the shoulder and a threaded portion adjacent to the tapered surface. A shim is positioned on the shaft adjacent to the shoulder and a bearing is positioned adjacent to the shim. The bearing has an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of roller elements positioned there between. The bearing is mounted onto the shaft by a lock nut which is secured to the threaded portion of the shaft and which contacts the inner race of the bearing. The apparatus further includes a motor mounted to the base plate. The motor has an output shaft which is axially aligned with and connectable to the outer race of the bearing. The motor is capable of rotating the outer race of the bearing at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: A ball bearing comprising an inner ring having an outer peripheral surface formed with an inner ring raceway thereon, an outer ring having an inner peripheral surface formed with an outer ring raceway thereon, a cage made of synthetic resin and rotatably disposed relative to the inner ring and outer ring and having a plurality of pockets formed therein, and a plurality of balls held in the pockets, respectively, to be rotatably disposed between the inner ring raceway and outer ring raceway, wherein in the state before the cage is disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and where the balls held in the pockets are displaced toward the radially inside of the cage until the rolling contact surface of the balls comes in contact with the inner surface of the respective pockets to produce a circumscribed circle with a diameter with respect to the balls, the diameter of the circumscribed circle is smaller than the inner diameter of the outer ring raceway by an amount in the range 10 &mgr;m to 60 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An intelligent assembly system for a manufacturing process using one or more sensors that provide information for controlling, monitoring and/or evaluating the process. One or more sensors may be mounted on a module assembly and/or on a powered tool device. The one or more sensors may sense a vibratory signature and/or electrical current during the process and supply information, such as a data signal, to a software program or other processor for processing. For example, using a database of stored data regarding vibratory signatures and/or electrical currents for one or more power tool devices used in the manufacturing process, the information may be compared and analyzed to determine if it is within a specified range. Results of such analysis may be transmitted to an operator and/or graphically displayed. The results and/or display may instruct the operator to continue with the manufacturing process or inspect the process step just completed for possible error.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an elastomeric conical flap bearing assembly for rotary aircraft including an inboard bearing element and outboard bearing element disposed within an outer housing. The outer housing has an outer surface configured with a plurality of radially extending flange elements. The outer housing has an inner surface configured to receive tapered conical bearing elements. A tapered conical elastomeric inboard bearing element is inserted into its outer housing and is bonded to the inner surface. A tapered conical elastomeric outboard bearing element is inserted into the outer housing, wherein the conical tapers of the respective bearing elements are directed in opposing directions. The bearing elements are press-fit together and the outer surface of the outboard bearing is bonded to the inner surface of the outer housing forming a bearing assembly. Simultaneously, an axial pre-load is applied to the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A bearing unit for a wheel has a rotary ring whose raceway surface is hardened by a thermal process. In this bearing unit, the side surface of a fitting flange for fixedly joining a rotary body for braking and a wheel, is formed by working in a predetermined configuration after the raceway surface of the rotary ring has been subjected to the thermal process. The raceway surface of the rotary ring is worked in a predetermined configuration and dimensions on the basis of the side surface of the fitting flange. This bearing unit can restrain disagreeable noises and vibration from being caused upon braking.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing involves providing a sub-unit including a shaft and a bevel gear associated with the shaft, and also providing a first support member and a second support member. A first bearing is positioned between the sub-unit and first support member. A second bearing is positioned between the second support member and the sub-unit. The first support member is connected to the second support member. Preload on the first and second bearings is adjusted. At least the sub-unit, the first support member, the second support member, the first bearing, and the second bearing constitute an assembly capable of being installed in a housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double row taper-roller bearing and a method of assembling a double row taper-roller bearing, which are, when in an assembly, capable of assembling and being assembled by controlling a negative axial gap after the assembly. The present invention-provides also a wheel support structure and a method of the assembling the same structure.

Abstract: A system for adjusting an adjustable spacer is provided. A high-compression section is adapted to receive the spacer for a bearing assembly. A low-compression section is adapted to receive the bearing assembly. In one aspect, a transfer frame can serve as a mechanical interface between the high-compression section and the low-compression section. Also, the transfer frame can be adapted to transfer to the low-compression section a first travel indicative of a first compression of the spacer with the high-compression section. A sensor can be coupled with the high-compression section and the low-compression section. Further, the sensor can serve to limit the first compression according to a second travel indicative of a second compression of the bearing assembly with the low-compression section. Additionally, the first travel and the second travel are preferably related to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., preloading) to the spacer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method precisely preload bearings onto shafts. A swivel plate swivels up to 360° and locks a rotary shaft axially with a motor shaft. A shim and bearing adjacent the shim preload onto shaft shoulder by lock nut secured to the threaded shaft. The lock nut forces the bearing inner race to expand outwardly, preloading the bearing. A force sensor measures torque on the bearing outer race. Measured torque is monitored within a predetermined range to establish the precisely loaded bearing. The method slides a shim onto support shaft shoulder. A bearing is slid onto tapered surface, and lock nut tightened onto the threaded shaft. The lock nut expands the bearing inner race, reducing the distance between the inner and outer races and preloading the bearing. The outer race at a predetermined, constant speed has torque monitored to a predetermined range to provide a precisely preloaded bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method precisely preload bearings onto shafts. A swivel plate swivels up to 360° and locks a rotary shaft axially with a motor shaft. A shim and bearing adjacent the shim preload onto shaft shoulder by lock nut secured to the threaded shaft. The lock nut forces the bearing inner race to expand outwardly, preloading the bearing. A force sensor measures torque on the bearing outer race. Measured torque is monitored within a predetermined range to establish the precisely loaded bearing. The method slides a shim onto support shaft shoulder. A bearing is slid onto tapered surface, and lock nut tightened onto the threaded shaft. The lock nut expands the bearing inner race, reducing the distance between the inner and outer races and preloading the bearing. The outer race at a predetermined, constant speed has torque monitored to a predetermined range to provide a precisely preloaded bearing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method according to the present invention actively monitors and controls the preload and rolling bearing resistance of angular contact pinion bearing sets for power distribution devices, such as axle pinion bearings, differential case bearings, power take-off units and the like. A hollow spindle is engageable with a drive flange for rotating a shaft. A central spindle is disposed coaxially with the axis of rotation of the hollow spindle and is sheathed within the hollow spindle. The central spindle has a socket engageable with a nut mounted on one end of the shaft for adjusting end play. Intermeshing gear teeth are interposed between the hollow spindle and the central spindle for driving the central spindle in rotation with the hollow spindle while allowing incremental rotation of the central spindle to adjust end play. First and second digital sensors monitor rolling drag resistance and torque applied to the nut.

Abstract: An assembly method of a preload-adjustable rolling bearing unit comprising the steps of providing a shaft having a first inner raceway, an inner ring being press fitted onto the shaft and having a second inner raceway, such that a pitch of both raceways is set greater than a pitch required to give a predetermined preload, providing an outer ring having outer raceways, providing a plurality of balls to be fitted between the outer raceways of the outer ring, and the first and second inner raceways, positioning the balls equidistant apart in the circumferential direction, and vibrating the rolling bearing unit by means of piezo electric elements while moving the inner ring in the axial direction, measuring the resonant frequency of the rolling bearing unit with a vibration sensor to control the preload whereby the inner ring is pressed onto a shaft while vibrating with only a small amount of energy without scratching the raceway and rolling surfaces.

Abstract: The centering unit for the primary and secondary flywheels of a torsional vibration damping apparatus for use in the power train of a motor vehicle employs a radial bearing with a sleeve which is or can be a press fit on or in one of the flywheels, and the still accessible internal or external surface of the sleeve is calibrated simultaneously with or following the press fit. The calibrated surface of the sleeve is thereupon inserted into a socket or receives an extension of the other flywheel. The centering unit further utilizes an axial bearing wherein the function of the sleeve in the radial bearing is performed by an annular collar which can extend radially inwardly or radially outwardly of the sleeve. One of the bearings can be installed radially inwardly of the fasteners which secure the primary flywheel to the output shaft of the engine, and the other bearing can be installed radially outwardly of such fasteners.

Abstract: A system for adjusting an adjustable spacer is provided. A high-compression section is adapted to receive the spacer for a bearing assembly. A low-compression section is adapted to receive the bearing assembly. In one aspect, a transfer frame can serve as a mechanical interface between the high-compression section and the low-compression section. Also, the transfer frame can be adapted to transfer to the low-compression section a first travel indicative of a first compression of the spacer with the high-compression section. A sensor can be coupled with the high-compression section and the low-compression section. Further, the sensor can serve to limit the first compression according to a second travel indicative of a second compression of the bearing assembly with the low-compression section. Additionally, the first travel and the second travel are preferably related to provide a desired adjustment (e.g., preloading) to the spacer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of precisely preloading a bearing onto a shaft is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base plate and a support mounted to and extending upward from the base plate. The support is capable of supporting a shaft. The shaft has a shoulder, a tapered surface adjacent to the shoulder and a threaded portion adjacent to the tapered surface. A shim is positioned on the shaft adjacent to the shoulder and a bearing is positioned adjacent to the shim. The bearing has an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of roller elements positioned therebetween. The bearing is preloaded onto the shaft by a lock nut which is secured to the threaded portion of the shaft and which contacts the inner race of the bearing. The apparatus further includes a motor mounted to the base plate. The motor has an output shaft which is axially aligned with and connectable to the outer race of the bearing. The motor is capable of rotating the outer race of the bearing at a predetermined speed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing unit assembly and method for producing the same wherein an outer brake rotor mounting surface of the wheel hub and bearing assembly is subjected to a microfinishing process.

Abstract: The method includes sliding a first shim onto the support shaft until it abuts a shoulder. The first shim has a predetermined thickness. A bearing is then slid onto the tapered surface and a lock nut is tightened onto the threaded portion of the shaft. As the lock nut contacts the inner race of the bearing it causes the inner race to contact the first shim and also to radially expand outwardly, thereby preloading the bearing. The outer race of the bearing is then connected to a motor and the motor is operated at a predetermined, constant speed. The torque required to rotate the outer race of the bearing is measured and compared to a predetermine torque range to determine if the bearing is precisely preloaded.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for manufacturing an energy absorption apparatus including an elastomeric spring for a railroad car. The method involves the step of creating a predetermined wear condition in the elastomeric spring for the energy absorption apparatus preferably prior to the energy absorption apparatus being arranged in operable combination with the railroad car. A conditioning process effects permanent deformation of the elastomeric spring while maintaining the preload force developed for the energy absorption apparatus to remain at a substantially stabilized level whereby simulating a predetermined wear condition for the energy absorption apparatus.

Abstract: A combination of a bearing and a housing for the bearing is described, the bearing comprising two substantially semi-cylindrical half bearings each retained in a corresponding housing part about a joint face split-line wherein the housing has at least one circumferential locking plate inserted in said joint face split-line, said at least one circumferential locking plate extending radially inwardly to lie between opposed joint faces of the two bearing halves.

Abstract: This invention relates to method for fabricating a vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly wherein the brake surface of the brake disc is oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to the outer race of the bearing assembly. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a vehicle hub including a hub flange; (b) providing a bearing assembly having an outer race; (c) installing the bearing assembly about the vehicle hub; (d) providing a separately formed brake disc having a brake surface; (e) securing the brake disc to the hub flange of the vehicle hub to produce a vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly; (f) supporting the vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly on a machining apparatus; and (g) using the machining apparatus to machine the brake surface of the brake disc of the vehicle hub, bearing and brake disc assembly whereby the brake surface is oriented in a predetermined relationship relative to the outer race of the bearing assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system and method for producing the same, the vehicle wheel hub and bearing retention system including a wheel hub, a bearing unit, and a bearing retention and preload device. The wheel hub includes an inboard end, an outboard end, and a main body. The bearing unit is provided onto a bearing seat of the wheel hub. The material of the inboard end of the wheel hub is re-shaped against the bearing retention and preload device to thereby secure the device on the wheel hub and prevent axial and radial movement of said device relative to the wheel hub.

Abstract: The preload of the double row rolling bearing unit after completion is kept at a proper value regardless of the elastic deformation of the shaft caused when pushing the inner race in the axial direction wherein the balls are first installed in the bearing at the first pitch P1 of the ball rows which is larger than the pitch p1 in the state where the preload is proper and then preloaded to a pitch slightly smaller than the second pitch p1, so that the ball rows have the second pitch p1 after the shaft is elastically restored.