Patent ID: 6685359
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: F16C,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for preloading a pair of axially spaced first and second tapered roller bearings, each having an inner race mounted along a shaft having a rotating axis, comprising the steps of:providing structure engaging the inner race of a first tapered roller bearing and the inner race of a second tapered roller bearing to limit axial motion of the inner race of the first roller bearing, either toward or away from the inner race of the second roller bearing; engaging the outer race of the first tapered roller bearing with a first adjustment member (56), such that the outer race of the first bearing is axially movable with respect to said structure; engaging the outer race of the second roller bearing with a second adjustment member (58), such that the outer race of the second bearing is axially movable with respect to said structure; threadably engaging the first adjustment with the second adjustment member; and preloading the outer races of the first tapered roller bearing and the second tapered roller bearing by rotating the first adjustment member with respect to the second adjustment member about the axis of rotation of the shaft prior to installation in a differential housing.