Method for assembling rolling bearing device

An assembling method for a double-row tapered-roller bearing assembly comprising:

• an outer ring including a first outer raceway and a second outer raceway formed on an inner peripheral surface thereof;
• an inner ring including a second inner raceway in opposing relation with the second outer raceway;
• a hub body including a first inner raceway in opposing relation with the first outer raceway, formed with a flange projecting diametrically outwardly from one end thereof, and formed with a smaller-diameter cylindrical surface portion at the other end thereof, the smaller-diameter cylindrical surface portion allowing the inner ring to be fixedly fitted thereon;
• a plurality of first-row tapered rollers interposed between the first inner raceway and the first outer raceway;
• a first cage allowing the first-row tapered rollers to be arranged thereon at regular space intervals;
• and
• a first seal ring mounted to the outer ring at its end close to the first outer raceway, the method comprising the steps of:
• fabricating a sub-assemble member by combining the first cage with the first-row tapered rollers;
• fitting a retainer ring in the sub-assemble member at place diametrically inwardly with respect to the first-row tapered rollers, thereby pressingly supporting the tapered rollers;
• mounting the sub-assemble member to the first outer raceway of the outer ring;
• mounting the first seal ring to the outer ring with the sub-assemble member mounted thereto at an end of the inner peripheral surface formed with the first outer raceway;
• and
• combining the hub body with the outer ring having the first seal ring and the sub-assemble member mounted thereto, as pushing out the retainer ring fitted in the sub-assemble member by means of a step portion defined between the smaller-diameter cylindrical surface portion and the first inner raceway of the hub body.