Patent ID: 6042293
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: F16C,Y10T

Abstract:
A bearing set for a ball and socket joint, comprising:an annular outer bearing having an outer peripheral surface, a first axial surface, a second axial surface, wherein said first and second axial surfaces are opposing, a generally cylindrical wall defining a cavity, a hemispherical seat face within said cavity, at least one of a notch and a locator tab positioned between said outer peripheral surface and said first axial surface, said hemispherical seat face having at least one lubrication groove and a plurality of compliance grooves; andan annular inner bearing having an outer peripheral surface, two opposing axial surfaces, a spherical seat face, at least one lubrication groove, and at least one of the other of said notch and said locator tab, said tab receivable in said notch to align said lubrication grooves of said inner and outer bearings when said bearings are mated together, said outer peripheral surface of said annular inner bearing having an unloaded diameter greater than a corresponding unloaded diameter of said hemispherical seat face such that a preload results when said inner bearing is forced into said cavity of said outer bearing.