Spherical bearing with sealing member, method of sealing a spherical bearing and steering assembly comprising said bearing

摘要

A sealed spherical bearing (100) is disclosed, having a race (110) and a ball (120) disposed therein. A seal (130) between the race and the ball inhibits the ingress of contaminants into the spherical bearing. The seal has a first edge (132). The first edge is secured to a retainer (140), which is press-fit into an annular groove (116) defined by the race. The ball and the race are rotatable relative to each other. A second edge (134) of the seal is seated in a second annular groove defined the ball. A lubricant is disposed inside the second annular groove. A convex surface (114) of the ball and a concave surface (112) of the race form a sliding surface. A self-lubricating treatment is applied to one or more of the sliding surfaces.