Method for manufacturing outer joint member for constant-velocity universal joint and outer joint member

A method of manufacturing an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint, the outer joint member being constructed by forming, through use of separate members, a cup section having track grooves formed at an inner periphery of the cup section and engageable with torque transmitting elements, and a shaft section formed at a bottom portion of the cup section, and by welding a cup member forming the cup section and a shaft member forming the shaft section, the method comprising:

• preparing the cup member, to have a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion that are integrally formed by forging, and forming a joining end surface on an outer surface of the bottom portion in a machining step after the forging;
• preparing the shaft member to have a bearing mounting surface formed at an outer periphery of the shaft member and a joining end surface to be joined to the joining end surface of the cup member;
• bringing the joining end surface of the cup member and the joining end surface of the shaft member into abutment against each other;
• and
• welding the cup member and the shaft member by radiating a beam from an outer side of the cup member to an abutment portion between the cup member and the shaft member in a radial direction of the cup member,
• wherein the joining end surface of the shaft member is located at a cup member side with respect to the bearing mounting surface,
• wherein the joining end surface of the cup member and the joining end surface of the shaft member have a dimensional difference between outer diameters thereof, and
• wherein the cup member and the shaft member are formed of medium carbon steel.