Patent ID: 6644861
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: B60B,F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of assembling a bearing/hub/steering knuckle unit, the bearing including an outer race having first and second outer raceways that are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the axis, first and second inner raceways that are presented toward and inclined in the same directions as the first and second outer raceways, respectively, at least the second inner raceway being on an inner race that is initially separate from the hub, with its axial position being established by an abutment face that is along the hub, and rolling elements organized in a first row between the first raceways and in a second row between the second raceways, whereby the bearing will transmit radial loads and also thrust loads in both axial directions between the knuckle and the hub, said method comprising: providing outer raceways in the knuckle; fitting the first rolling elements between the first raceways such that they seat along the first raceways; ascertaining the axial position of the 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; providing a correction to the ascertained axial position of the initially separate inner race to account for expansion of the initially separate inner race caused by interference fit of the race on the hub; providing an initially separate inner race that will provide the required axial position; installing the initially separate inner race on the hub with an interference fit and against the abutment face in the position ascertained; and capturing the initially separate inner race against the abutment face and an abutment on the hub to insure that it retains the position ascertained and that the bearing operates in preload.