Bearing retainer for U-joint shaft end.

摘要

A bearing assembly (20) that is preferably used on carden universal joint shafts. A bearing retainer (32) maintains a plurality of needle bearings (28) at a desired location during shipment, and maintains the bearing assembly (20) on the shaft (22) prior to assembly. The bearing retainer (32) preferably has an inner periphery diameter that is less than the outer diameter of the shaft (22), and an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the bearing housing (26). In this way the bearing retainer (32) locks on the outer periphery of the shaft (22) at its inner periphery and clearance (36) is provided at the outer periphery of the retainer (32) such that it rotates with the shaft (22) within the housing (26).