Bearing with integrated axial preload and method thereof

A bearing, comprising:

• an inner ring defining a first groove;
• an outer ring including a radially inner surface, the radially inner surface facing an axis of rotation of the bearing and defining:
• a second groove;
• and,
• a third groove;
• a cage radially disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring;
• a plurality of balls retained by the cage, and disposed in the first groove, and in the second groove;
• and,
• a preloaded resilient washer assembly including:
• a rigid washer;
• and,
• a resilient washer including a radially outermost surface disposed in the third groove, the resilient washer urging the rigid washer away from the outer ring in an axial direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the bearing.

A method of preloading a bearing assembly, the bearing assembly including a housing, a bearing enclosed by the housing, the bearing including an inner ring defining a first groove and connected to a shaft, an outer ring connected to the housing and including a radially inner surface defining a second groove and a third groove, a cage radially disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, a plurality of balls retained by the cage and disposed in the first groove and in the second groove, and a preloaded resilient washer assembly with a resilient washer including a radially outermost surface disposed in the third groove and a washer directly connected to the resilient washer and in contact with the housing, the method comprising:

• urging, with the resilient washer, in a first axial direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the bearing, and with a first force, the outer ring away from the washer and the housing, and into contact with the plurality of balls;
• rotating the shaft and the inner ring, with respect to the housing, in a circumferential direction around an axis of rotation of the bearing;
• and,
• displacing, with a second force, the outer ring in the first axial direction, and maintaining, with the preloaded resilient washer assembly, the contact of the outer ring with the plurality of balls;
• or,
• displacing, with a second force, the outer ring in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, and maintaining, with the preloaded resilient washer assembly, the contact of the outer ring with the plurality of balls.