Wheel bearing arrangement for a dual wheel assembly

摘要

A dual wheel assembly (10) for a vehicle is provided that includes an axle assembly (12) having an axle shaft (14) disposed therein, which defines an axis. First and second wheel hubs (30,32) are supported on outboard and inboard portions, respectively of the axle assembly. The first wheel hub (30) is coupled to the axle shaft (14) so that the first wheel hub may be driven about the axis and the second wheel hub (32) is rotatable about the axis relative to the first wheel hub. A first bearing assembly (50) is interposed between the first wheel hub and the outboard portion for supporting the first wheel hub on the outboard portion. The outboard portion has a first shoulder with the first bearing assembly abutting the first shoulder. Similarly, a second bearing (60) assembly is interposed between the second wheel hub and the inboard portion for supporting the second wheel hub on the inboard portion, and the inboard portion has a second shoulder with the second bearing assembly abutting the second shoulder. Securing members are attached to the axle assembly opposite each shoulder to retain the bearing assemblies and wheel hubs on the axle assembly. In this manner, the wheel hubs may be more easily installed and removed as units independently of one another. <IMAGE>