Abstract: A bearing bush configured to support a journal of a journal cross of a cardan shaft includes a cylindrical circumferential wall that radially delimits an interior for receiving rolling elements and the journal and includes a base axially delimiting the interior. The base has a central holder configured to receive a slip disk for contacting the journal. The base may include a conical portion extending from the cylindrical circumferential wall and a flat central portion, and the holder may be formed as a depression in the flat central portion. Also a journal bearing assembly including the bearing bush.

Abstract: A coupling includes first and second annular flanges in spaced relation across a gap. At least one resilient element is disposed in the gap in abutting relation to the first and second annular flanges. A first plurality of fasteners extends from the first annular flange, through the at least one resilient element, to the second annular flange, and a second plurality of fasteners extends from the second annular flange, through the at least one resilient element, to the first annular flange. Fasteners in the first plurality of fasteners is disposed in alternating fashion with fasteners in the second plurality of fasteners.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slotted entry gimbal including an inner ring with a first side and a second side. The inner ring includes a first pin extending from the first side of the inner ring and a second pin extending from the second side of the inner ring. The slotted entry gimbal also includes an outer ring including a first side and a second side. The outer ring includes a first opening on the first side configured to receive the first pin and a second opening on the second side configured to receive the second pin. The outer ring includes a first slotted entry opening on the first side extending from a first edge of the outer ring to the first opening, and the outer ring includes a second slotted entry opening on the second side extending from a second edge of the outer ring to the second opening.

Abstract: A propeller shaft assembly comprises a first rotary component having a first splined portion and a first engaging surface arranged transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first rotary component and spaced from the first splined portion and a second rotary component having a second splined portion configured to engage the first splined portion. The second splined portion defines a second engaging surface arranged transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first rotary component. A shear component is disposed between the first engaging surface of the first rotary component and the second engaging surface of the second rotary component. The shear component forms a crash feature of the propeller shaft assembly configured to shear at an edge of the second engaging surface when the first shear component is compressed between the first engaging surface and the second engaging surface.

Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a shaft part and a a first yoke having a fixing portion, a connecting portion, a first yoke portion and a first concave portion. The connecting portion is provided apart from a first concave portion in the direction of the rotation axis of the shaft part. An outside diameter of the connecting portion is greater than an outside diameter of the shaft part in a radial direction of the rotation axis of the shaft part.

Abstract: A propeller shaft includes a shaft part, a first yoke, a connecting portion, a first yoke portion, a first concave portion, and a second yoke having a flange and a second yoke portion. The flange has a bolt insertion hole into which a securing member is inserted, and is connected to a second shaft part of a vehicle side by the securing member. The second yoke portion is provided at the flange, and has a shape that extends in a direction of a rotation axis of the shaft part. A cruciform shaft couples the first yoke portion with the second yoke portion.

Abstract: A U-joint arrangement for attaching a propeller shaft to a pinion flange is disclosed herein. At least one of the pinion flange and the propeller shaft has a pair of full-round receivers. The U-joint arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a U-joint having a cross member and a plurality of bearing cups rotatably mounted to the cross member. A pair of the bearing cups each have an outer diameter that is substantially less than an inner diameter of the pair of full-round receivers. The U-joint arrangement further includes a pair of retaining members that engage the pair of bearing cups and that are configured to engage the pair of full-round receivers. The pair of retaining members are further configured to support the pair of bearing cups within the pair of full-round receivers when the pair of retaining members are engaged with the pair of full-round receivers.

Abstract: A U-joint arrangement for attaching a propeller shaft to a pinion flange is disclosed herein. At least one of the pinion flange and the propeller shaft has a pair of full-round receivers. The U-joint arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a U-joint having a cross member and a plurality of bearing cups rotatably mounted to the cross member. A pair of the bearing cups each have an outer diameter that is substantially less than an inner diameter of the pair of full-round receivers. The U-joint arrangement further includes a pair of retaining members that engage the pair of bearing cups and that are configured to engage the pair of full-round receivers. The pair of retaining members are further configured to support the pair of bearing cups within the pair of full-round receivers when the pair of retaining members are engaged with the pair of full-round receivers.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for a universal joint including a securing ring which is inserted in an annular groove of a universal-joint yoke with a form fit is arranged such that it can be adjusted. In this case, both the securing ring and an associated contact surface on a base of the universal joint bush have a contact surface which rises helically.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bearing arrangement for a universal joint, in which a securing ring which is inserted in an annular groove of a universal-joint yoke with a form fit is arranged such that it can be adjusted. In this case, both the securing ring and an associated contact surface on a base of the universal joint bush have a contact surface which rises helically.

Abstract: A universal joint may include a spider, a yoke, a bearing cup, and a retaining member. The spider may include a plurality of trunnions and the yoke may include first and second arms. The first arm may include a first aperture therethrough receiving a first trunnion therein. The first arm may additionally include a first anti-rotation feature. The bearing cup may be disposed in the first aperture and may include a second anti-rotation feature. The retaining member may be located in the first aperture and may be engaged with the first and second anti-rotation features to prevent relative rotation between the bearing cup and the yoke.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke includes a yoke base and two yoke arms, each respectively having a through extending bearing bore, a circular arc groove having a center that is arranged on a bore axis or is off-set from the bore axis toward the yoke base, and at least one securing recess on the outer face. A separate securing element for each yoke arm has an engagement portion with an outer circumference that is adapted to the circular arc groove and engaging the same and at least one securing portion that projects from the securing element in the direction away from the center and that engages the at least one securing recess and that secures the securing element against rotation around the center. A securing device retains the securing elements on the universal joint yoke.

Abstract: There is provided a universal joint which is a universal joint of a block type in which a bearing cup for supporting a trunnion of a joint cross is integrally formed with a key portion, and the bearing cup is joined to be fixed to a yoke by a bolt in a state of fitting the key portion to a key way of the yoke, in which by forming WC—Ni—Cr thermally-sprayed coatings at both side surfaces of the key portion, corrosion resistance of the key portion is promoted, even when used over a long period of time in a drive system of a rolling mill or the like, a clearance between the key portion and the key way caused by corrosion of the key portion is prevented from being brought about, and a stable performance can be maintained over a long period of time by promoting service life of the bearing and preventing an excessively large bending load from being operated to the bolt.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for use in the propeller shaft of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal with an annular groove,;a constant velocity universal joint with an inner joint part which is connected in a rotationally fixed way to the shaft journal for the purpose of transmitting torque; an axial securing ring for the inner joint part, which axial securing ring is positioned in the annular groove of the shaft journal; and a holding ring which is releasably connected to the inner joint part; wherein, in a mounted condition of the inner joint part, the axial securing ring is axially fixed on the shaft journal between a contact face of the inner joint part and the holding ring connected to the inner joint part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting assembly which is used, more particularly for use in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The connecting assembly comprises a shaft journal 3 with an outer journal groove 34; a constant velocity universal joint 4 with an inner joint part 6 which, for the purpose of transmitting torque, is connected to the shaft journal 3 in a rotationally fixed way, wherein the inner joint part 6 comprises a sleeve-like portion 20 with an inner annular groove 35; a radially elastically widenable axial securing ring 30 which is provided for axially fixing the inner joint part 6 and which is positioned in the journal groove 34 of the shaft journal 3; and securing means 41 which are fixed to the sleeve-like portion 20 and prevent the axial securing ring 30 from being radially widened.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm.

Abstract: A universal joint may include a spider, a yoke, a bearing cup, and a retaining member. The spider may include a plurality of trunnions and the yoke may include first and second arms. The first arm may include a first aperture therethrough receiving a first trunnion therein. The first arm may additionally include a first anti-rotation feature. The bearing cup may be disposed in the first aperture and may include a second anti-rotation feature. The retaining member may be located in the first aperture and may be engaged with the first and second anti-rotation features to prevent relative rotation between the bearing cup and the yoke.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm.

Abstract: A combination of an annular spacer, and a thrust washer in the opening of the spacer. The spacer and the thrust washer being connected by sacrificial tabs dimensioned to be stronger toward one of the spacer and thrust washer so that upon breaking of the sacrificial tabs, the tab remnants will stay with the one of the spacer and the washer to which it was more strongly attached. A trunnion on a spider of a universal joint and the trunnion is to be connected to a yoke arm. The trunnion being received in a trunnion cup. The spacer and the thrust washer combination being toward the bottom of the cup. An array of needle bearings around the periphery of the trunnion inside the cup. An annular seal in the cup sealing around the installed trunnion.

Abstract: A bearing arrangement for supporting a universal joint trunnion in an outer cup includes a radial bearing having cylindrical rolling elements disposed between the trunnion and the outer cup, and a resistance member made of a material to allow elastic deformation and bearing upon a confronting surface area of an end surface of the trunnion. The resistance member and the trunnion are hereby so configured either alone or in combination as to form a large lubricant reservoir. Disposed at a distance to the end surface of the trunnion is a stop member to define an axial gap, whereby the stop member inhibits an axial movement of the trunnion after the trunnion has moved in axial direction to close the gap.

Abstract: There is provided a universal joint in which a crack is difficult to be produced at a bottom portion of a screw of a bolt for fixing a bearing cup or a bearing holder to a yoke even when excessive large load repeatedly acts and which can withstand to be used over a long period of time under a condition in which a large load of a drive system of a load of a rolling mill or the like acts. In a universal joint of a block type or the like in which a bearing cup 3 for supporting a trunnion 11 of a joint cross 1 through needle-like rollers 2 is fixed to a yoke 4 by a bolt 5, by constituting the bolt 5 by a bolt subjected to roll forming after a heat treatment, a fiber flow along a shape of a screw is formed, a residual compressive stress is generated right below a surface of a bottom portion of the screw, and an allowable fatigue limit is considerably increased in comparison with that of a bolt by turning process of a background art.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a spider, first and second yokes drivingly interconnected by the spider, a plurality of bearing cups and a plurality of retaining members. The first yoke includes spaced apart arms with apertures extending through each arm. The apertures are coaxially aligned with one another and include a circumferential groove spaced apart from an edge of the arm. Each bearing cup is positioned within one of the apertures and in receipt of one of the trunnions. A portion of each bearing cup is positioned in communication with a corresponding groove. Each retaining member is operable to complement the size and shape of the corresponding groove, bearing cup and aperture such that each retaining member couples one of the bearing cups to its associated arm.

Abstract: A universal joint includes two joint yokes that, respectively, have two yoke arms that each start from a connection portion. Through an eye portion distanced from the connection portion, bearing bores extend in which respectively, a journal of a journal cross by means of interposition of rolling members and of a bearing bushing are supported. On the outside of the yoke arms, a bulge is respectively provided towards the connection portion and adjacent to the bearing bore and over a partial circumference of the same, which bulge has, towards the bearing bore, a groove. A circumferential groove, belonging to a retaining trunnion projecting from the base of the bearing bushing, is arranged opposite to the groove. Between the two, a securing element is arranged that engages with an engagement portion in the groove and with a retaining portion facing away from the same, in the circumferential groove of the retaining trunnion.

Abstract: Universal joints, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for servicing staked universal joints as well as a u-joint serviced with the method and the apparatus. The service kit includes a replacement bearing assembly, a retention assembly and a spacer sized to fit between the retention assembly and the replacement bearing assembly. The method generally includes the steps of removing the stakes from an aperture on a driveshaft, removing an original bearing assembly from the aperture, inserting the replacement bearing assembly into the aperture, inserting the spacer into the aperture and retaining the spacer and replacement bearing assembly within the aperture with the retention assembly.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a yoke with a leg having an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture includes an annular groove. The universal joint also includes a cruciform having a trunnion, a bearing cup positioned in the aperture and mounted on the trunnion and a retention member including a stepped cross-section. The retention member is disposed within the groove to fill the gap remaining between the groove edge and the bearing cup.

Abstract: A universal joint has a balancing arrangement and a balancing weight for the same. Each yoke arm has a support bore centered on a bore axis, the support bore having a groove. A journal cross assembly includes four journals that intersect each other perpendicularly and bearing bushings that, respectively, have a bottom having an outer face. In these, a journal is, respectively, supported. Each bearing bushing is received in a support bore and is secured by means of a retaining ring, engaging in the groove, and by a balancing weight held between the retaining ring and the outer face of the bottom. This has radially, in reference to the bore axis, outside an annular fixing portion and following this, radially to the inside, in reference to the bore axis, a thicker balancing mass portion.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a cross and an end fitting having respective rotational centers that are precisely co-axially aligned with one another to minimize rotational imbalance. The cross has a pair of outwardly extending trunnions, upon which respective bearing cups are rotatably supported. A span control sleeve is press fit about each of the bearing cups. Each of the span control sleeves includes an outwardly extending flange portion that is precisely located relative to the rotational center of the cross. The end fitting is formed having a pair of inwardly facing surfaces that are precisely located relative to the rotational center of the end fitting. When the cross is assembled with the end fitting, the outwardly extending flange portions of the span control sleeves abut the inwardly facing surfaces of the end fitting. As a result, the rotational center of the cross is precisely aligned with the rotational center of the end fitting.

Abstract: A needle roller retainer for insertion into an outer ball of a tripot style joint includes a cylindrical portion having an inner end and an outer end, a rib portion extending from the inner end of the cylindrical portion, and a flange portion extending from the outer end of the cylindrical portion. The outer ball includes a groove for receiving the rib portion.

Abstract: A universal joint has a balancing arrangement that includes yoke arms having respectively, a support bore, centered on a common bore axis, and the support bore having a groove. A journal cross assembly comprises four journals, which axes intersect each other perpendicularly, and bearing bushings, having, respectively, a bottom, having an outer face, and in which bearing bushings, a journal is, respectively, supported. Respectively, one bearing bushing is received in a support bore and is secured by means of a retaining ring, engaging in the groove and supported on the outer face of the bottom of the corresponding bearing bushing. The retaining ring has a support portion on which radially inwards and projecting towards the bore axis, a holding portion is attached, axially offset to the support portion and distanced to the bottom, forming a gap. A balancing weight, formed as a ring discontinued at a point, can be retained in the gap between the bottom and the at least one holding portion.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a yoke with a leg having an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture includes an annular groove. The universal joint also includes a cruciform having a trunnion, a bearing cup positioned in the aperture and mounted on the trunnion and retention ember including a stepped cross-section. The retention member is disposed within the groove to fill the gap remaining between the groove edge and bearing cup.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a pair of bearing cups on an opposed pair of trunnions of a universal joint cross includes a strap having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second end portions. The first and second end portions are adapted to be adhered to the pair of bearing cups on the pair of trunnions of the cross. The first and second end portions are adapted to be adhered to the pair of bearing cups by first and second adhesive elements. The retainer prevents the bearing cups from becoming lost during shipment. When the cross is received at a second manufacturing location, the retainer can be quickly and easily removed, without the use of any tools.

Abstract: A universal joint for interconnecting a pair of rotating shafts includes a pair of bifurcated yokes interconnected by a cruciform. The cruciform includes four orthogonal trunnions each including a lubricant passage. A thrust washer engages an inner surface of the lubricant passage to retain a bearing assembly on each trunnion.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a yoke with a leg having an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture includes an annular groove. The universal joint also includes a cruciform having a trunnion, a bearing cup positioned in the aperture and mounted on the trunnion and a retention member including a stepped cross-section. The retention member is disposed within the groove to fill the gap remaining between the groove edge and the bearing cup.

Abstract: A tripot joint (10) includes a tripot housing (12) having three guide channels (24) receiving three corresponding trunnions (20) of a tripot spider (16). A ball assembly (28) is mounted on each of the trunnions (20) and received in the guide channels (24). The ball assembly includes an inner ball (30), and outer ball (40), and a complement of roller elements (52). The inner balls (30) are slidable axially on the roller elements (52) relative to the outer balls (40). Each ball assembly (28) includes at least one yieldable retainer (58) mounted on the outer ball (40) and projecting into the axial sliding path of the inner ball (30) in at least partial overlapping relation to the inner ball (30). The yieldable retainers secure the inner and outer balls (30, 40) against axial separation prior to joining the ball assemblies (28) with the trunnions (20) and guide channels (24).

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a pair of bearing cups on an opposed pair of trunnions of a universal joint cross includes a pair of cup-shaped end portions that are connected together by an intermediate strap portion. The retainer is expandable from a contracted size, wherein the cup-shaped end portions are spaced apart from one another by a first distance, to an expanded size, wherein the cup-shaped end portions are spaced apart from one another by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. The retainer, or at least a portion thereof, is preferably formed from a single material that is relatively flexible, stretchable, or otherwise expandable to permit the retainer to be selectively expanded from the contracted size to the expanded size. During installation, the retainer is initially expanded to the expanded size to allow the end portions to be disposed about the bearing cups supported on the trunnions of the universal joint cross.

Abstract: A universal joint includes two joint yokes that, respectively, have two yoke arms that each start from a connection portion. Through an eye portion distanced from the connection portion, bearing bores extend in which respectively, a journal of a journal cross by means of interposition of rolling members and of a bearing bushing are supported. On the outside of the yoke arms, a bulge is respectively provided towards the connection portion and adjacent to the bearing bore and over a partial circumference of the same, which bulge has, towards the bearing bore, a groove. A circumferential groove, belonging to a retaining trunnion projecting from the base of the bearing bushing, is arranged opposite to the groove. Between the two, a securing element is arranged that engages with an engagement portion in the groove and with a retaining portion facing away from the same, in the circumferential groove of the retaining trunnion.

Abstract: A retaining washer and method for servicing staked universal joints. The invention describes methods of servicing staked universal joints which maintain the quality of the original factory balance on the universal joint.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a pair of bearing cups on an opposed pair of trunnions of a universal joint cross includes a pair of cup-shaped end portions that are connected together by an intermediate strap portion. The retainer is expandable from a contracted size, wherein the cup-shaped end portions are spaced apart from one another by a first distance, to an expanded size, wherein the cup-shaped end portions are spaced apart from one another by a second distance that is greater than the first distance. The retainer, or at least a portion thereof, is preferably formed from a single material that is relatively flexible, stretchable, or otherwise expandable to permit the retainer to be selectively expanded from the contracted size to the expanded size. During installation, the retainer is initially expanded to the expanded size to allow the end portions to be disposed about the bearing cups supported on the trunnions of the universal joint cross.

Abstract: A unique structure for connecting the cross member of a universal joint to two yokes includes at least a pair of wing bearings bolted to one of the yokes. Preferably, the other yoke utilizes full circular bores to receive the other two shafts of the cross member. The wing bearings include structure which ensures a secure connection to the yoke. In particular, a locator finger extends radially inwardly from the yoke and over the wing bearing and shaft. In this way, the distance between a reaction plane between the yoke and wing bearing and the centerline of the shaft within the wing bearing is reduced. This reduces a force moment on the shaft. In other features of this invention, the use of the full circular bore for one of the yokes allows the universal joint manufacturer to fully assemble the first yoke to the cross member, and ship that assembled yoke and cross member to the vehicle manufacturer.

Abstract: The invention comprises a belt installation tool for installing a belt on a pulley. The tool comprises a plurality of segments. The segments and the headpiece are connected by a flexible connector with a headpiece attached to one end of the string of segments. Each segment comprises a belt bearing surface and a lip for engaging a pulley rim, thereby conforming to the curve of the pulley rim. The belt bearing surface describes a tapered surface. A surface normal to the belt bearing surface on each segment urges a belt from the tool onto a pulley as the pulley is turned.

Abstract: A universal joint yoke with two parallel yoke legs, which have a partial area for a bearing eye hole, is presented, in which the inner sides of the yoke legs facing one another have areas of thickened material in the unfinished state in the areas of the bearing eye holes. Due to this feature according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a sufficient mounting overlap for the needle bearings arranged in the bearing eye holes, on the one hand, and a maximum possible passage is obtained at the same time for a through hole necessary for the connection to connection profiles in the universal joint yoke.

Abstract: A universal joint includes a yoke with a leg having an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture includes an annular groove. The universal joint also includes a cruciform having a trunion, a bearing cup positioned in the aperture and mounted on the trunion and a retention member including an outer ring having a first surface and a second surface. The retention member further includes a spring tab axially extending beyond the first surface and disposed within the aperture such that the spring tab biasedly engages the bearing cup. The second surface of the retention member is at least partially disposed within the groove.

Abstract: A half round end yoke and a pair of retainer straps retain an opposed pair of bearing cups to the half round end yoke in such a universal joint. The half round end yoke includes a body defining an axis of rotation having first and second arms extending therefrom. Each of the first and second arms has a semi-cylindrical recess formed therein that is adapted to receive a bearing cup. A pair of threaded bores is formed in each of the first and second arms. Retainer straps are disposed about the bearing cups to retain them within the semi-cylindrical recesses. Each of the retainer straps includes a curved central portion having a pair of straight end portions extending outwardly therefrom. The end portions have respective apertures formed therethrough that can be aligned with the threaded bores formed in the arms of the half round end yoke.

Abstract: An improved yoke for use in a universal joint is described having a plurality of axially-extending grooves formed therein. The grooves are formed in the outer cylindrical surface of the sleeve portion of a yoke connected to an end of a vehicle driveshaft so as to permit access of a nut runner or other suitable tool for tightening the fasteners used for securing the retaining device to the other yoke used in the universal joint. The number of grooves provided is dependent on the number of fasteners used to secure the retaining device to the other yoke used in the universal joint. The length, width, and depth of the grooves may vary depending on a number of factors including the clearances between the yokes and other adjacent vehicle components and the type of tool required to secure the retaining device to the yoke. The axially-extending grooves are formed in the yoke such that a fastening tool will be aligned with the retaining device fasteners when the tool is positioned in a groove.

Abstract: A universal joint bearing assembly incorporates a thrust washer molded from plastic. The plastic thrust washer eliminates the metal galling and metal debris that have been found in prior art universal joint bearings. A support notch is formed at radially outer surfaces to support an inner end of needle bearings. Resilient members bias the notch against the needle bearings such that the needle bearings are supported on the notch and against a seal at the outer end of the bearing cup. The resilient members are compressed when the universal joint is assembled such that the needle bearings operate properly. A central dome extension on the thrust washer insures that the thrust washer is not improperly mounted within the bearing cup. An outer face of the thrust washer is formed at an angle such that central portion extend further towards the trunnion than radially outer portions.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a cross having a body and at least a pair of outwardly extending opposed trunnions. The trunnions define a trunnion axis. A bearing cup is rotatably mounted on each of the trunnions. A yoke includes a pair of opposed arms wherein each arm has an opening formed therethrough and aligned with the other arm opening to receive one of the bearing cups. Each of the openings defines a cylindrical surface having a cylindrical groove of a predetermined width formed therein. The yoke defines a yoke axis. A snap ring of a predetermined thickness is inserted into each of the grooves to retain the bearing cups on said trunnions. The width of each of the grooves is greater than the thickness of the snap rings to permit the cross to be selectively positioned with respect to the yoke. A staking operation fixes the position of the cross with respect to the yoke so that the cross center of gravity is aligned with the yoke axis.

Abstract: A universal joint assembly includes a yoke having an arm with an opening formed therethrough. A bearing cup is mounted on an outwardly extending trunnion of a cross. The bearing cup includes an outer circumferential surface and an end surface. The circumferential surface is received within the yoke arm opening. A retainer clip includes a base portion secured to the yoke arm and an end portion extending over a portion of the end surface of the bearing cup. A retainer element is placed between the end portion of the retainer clip and the end surface of the bearing cup to provide an interference fit to prevent the bearing cup from rotating relative to the yoke arm. If desired, a depression can be formed in the end surface of the bearing cup to seat the retainer element.

Abstract: A tool for installing and aligning a bearing cap in a universal joint so as to position an end surface of the bearing cap a predetermined distance above the outer surface of the arm of the end yoke is generally cup-shaped, including a generally flat, circular end portion having a hollow cylindrical skirt portion. The skirt portion defines an inner diameter which is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bearing cap. The skirt portion also defines an axial length which is equal to the desired predetermined distance. A cut-out may be formed in a portion of the tool to receive a spring tab or other axial retaining structure for the bearing cap. Also, one or more apertures may be formed in the end portion of the tool to receive anti-rotation protrusions formed on the end surface of the bearing cap. The universal joint is assembled by initially disposing the tool over the end surface of the bearing cap such that the inner surface of the end portion abuts the outer end surface of the bearing cap.

Abstract: An outer ring 6a for a shell-type radial needle bearing having a cylindrical shape with a bottom is achieved for which fatigue life of the bottom plate section 9a and the continuous section between the bottom plate section 9a and the cylindrical section 8a is improved, as well as the anti-corrosion characteristic of the outer ring 6a is improved and the outer ring 6a can be prevented from coming out of the bearing without an increase in cost. After obtaining an intermediate raw material 35 having a cylindrical section and a bottom plate section from a metal raw material, shot peening is performed on the intermediate material 35 to create residual compressive stress in the surface and surface layer section on the outer surface side of the cylindrical section 8a and the bottom plate section 9a such that the residual compressive stress in the surface layer section on the outer surface side is greater than the in the surface layer section on the inner surface side, and from the surface to a depth of 0.