Patent ID: 6422657
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: B60B,F16C,F16D

Abstract:
A vehicle wheel hub mounting system comprising:a wheel hub defining an axis and including a generally axially extending body having a radially outwardly extending flange defining a shoulder, said body having bore formed therethrough, said bore including an internal splined portion and an inner annular non-splined wheel hub surface spaced apart from said internal splined portion, said inner annular non-splined wheel hub surface defining a predetermined wheel hub inner diameter, said wheel hub including a bearing seat; an axle spindle connected to said wheel hub for rotation therewith, said axle spindle including a generally axially extending body including an inboard end and an outboard end, said inboard end having a generally radially outwardly extending flange, said body having an external splined portion and an outer annular non-splined axle spindle surface spaced apart from said external splined portion, said external splined portion of said axle spindle matingly receiving said internal splined portion of said wheel hub to connect said axle spindle to said wheel hub for rotation therewith, said outer annular non-splined axle spindle surface of said axle spindle defining a predetermined axle spindle outer diameter for receiving said inner non-splined annular wheel hub surface of said wheel hub so as to support said wheel hub thereon; a bearing assembly disposed on said bearing seat of said wheel hub radially adjacent only said inner annular non-splined wheel hub surface, said bearing assembly adapted to be secured to a non-rotatable component of the vehicle so as to rotatably support said wheel hub and said axle spindle relative thereto; and retention means secured to said axle spindle for preloading said bearing assembly between said shoulder of said wheel hub and said flange of said inboard end of said axle spindle and for securing said wheel hub and said axle spindle together for rotation with one another.