Patent ID: 6149244
Filing Date: 2000-11-21
Classification: B60B,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of installing a wheel hub on an axle, the wheel hub including a hub body having a bore bounded by a wall, the bore extending from an outboard side of the body to an inboard side of the body, the hub further including an inboard bearing and an outboard bearing, each with a respective inboard side and outboard side, and a spacer located within the bore in position to maintain spacing between the bearings, wherein the spacer and the bearings each have an inner surface which defines an axle receiving opening therethrough, the spacer also having an outer surface opposed to the inner surface of the spacer, the method comprising:(a) providing at least one alignment element in position to engage at least the outer surface of the spacer during installation of the wheel hub onto the axle so as to substantially align the inner surface of the spacer with the inner surfaces of the inboard and outboard bearings;(b) installing a cap on the body, the cap having an aperture that is large enough to receive the axle therethrough, the cap being in a position to retain the outboard bearing in the bore;(c) positioning the inboard side of the bore onto the axle and guiding the hub further onto the axle until the axle protrudes at least partially through the cap;(d) attaching the hub to the axle by a mechanical connector; and(e) providing a space between the at least one alignment element and the outer surface of the spacer such that the spacer is free to rotate relative to the hub without engaging the at least one alignment element.