Wheel bearing retainer

摘要

A knuckle-hub assembly including a knuckle and wheel bearing, and a retainer that is preferably arranged within a radial recess of the knuckle and a radial recess of the wheel bearing. The knuckle includes an inner radial surface defining a passage, the inner radial surface having a first radial recess. The first radial recess is preferably located in an intermediate region along a longitudinal axis of the passage. The wheel bearing includes an outer radial surface defining a second radial recess that is located in an intermediate region along the length of the bearing. The radial recesses of the knuckle and wheel bearing are generally axially-aligned upon installing the bearing in the knuckle's passage. The retainer has a generally constant cross-sectional profile about its circumference and includes an inner wall surface having a second portion and the first portion that is disposed at an angle relative to a first portion.

主权项

1. A knuckle-hub assembly, comprising:
a knuckle, wherein the knuckle includes an inner radial surface defining a passage, wherein the inner radial surface comprises a first radial recess located in an intermediate region along a longitudinal axis of the passage; a wheel bearing, wherein the wheel bearing includes an outer radial surface defining a second radial recess that is located in an intermediate region along the length of the wheel bearing, wherein the first radial recess of the knuckle is generally axially-aligned with the second radial recess upon installation of the wheel bearing in the passage of the knuckle; and a retainer including;
i. a ring-shaped member having:ii. a first end;iii. a second end;iv an outer radial surface; andv. an inner radial surface that includes a first portion and a second portion, the second portion is tapered and forms an angle between 10° and 60° relative to the first portion, wherein an inner diameter of the retainer at the first portion is less than an inner diameter of the retainer at the second portion;wherein the second radial recess of the wheel bearing and the first radial recess of the knuckle are substantially juxtaposed, and the retainer is fit within the second radial recess of the wheel bearing and the first radial recess of the knuckle so that the wheel bearing is retained by the retainer, and wherein the retainer has a generally constant cross-sectional profile about the circumference.