Bearing module for coaxial shaft ends

A method of assembling a bearing module that is configured for supporting adjacent ends of two coaxial shafts, the method comprising:

• providing a precision ground outer ring having first and second raceways that are axially adjacent to one another, and first and second flanges located at each respective end of the outer ring, with a center flange located axially between the first and second flanges;
• inserting a first cage into position radially inside the first raceway;
• inserting a first group of rolling elements radially into the first cage;
• inserting an axial bearing into the outer ring from a side of the second raceway;
• inserting a second cage into position radially inside the second raceway;
• inserting a second group of rolling elements radially into the second cage, capturing the axial bearing.

A method of assembling a bearing module that is configured for supporting adjacent ends of two coaxial shafts, the method comprising:

• providing an outer ring having a first flange at a first axial end and having first and second raceways that are axially adjacent to one another;
• inserting a first radial bearing having a first cage with a first group of rolling elements retained therein from a second axial end of the outer ring;
• then inserting an axial bearing into the outer ring from the second axial end;
• then inserting a second radial bearing having a second cage with a second group of rolling elements retained therein from the second axial end of the outer ring;
• and
• forming a second flange at the second axial end of the outer ring to close the outer ring and retain the first radial bearing, the axial bearing and the second radial bearing together as the bearing module.