Wheel bearing retainer

A knuckle-hub assembly, comprising:

• a knuckle, wherein the knuckle includes an inner radial surface defining a passage, wherein the inner radial surface comprises a first radial recess located in an intermediate region along a longitudinal axis of the passage;
• a wheel bearing wherein the wheel bearing includes an outer radial surface defining a second radial recess that is located in an intermediate region along the length of the bearing, wherein the first radial recess of the knuckle is generally axially-aligned with the second radial recess upon installation of the bearing in the passage of the knuckle;
• and
• a retainer arranged within both of the first radial recess of the knuckle and the second radial recess of the wheel bearing upon installation of the bearing in the passage of the knuckle, wherein the retainer includes a ring-shaped member having a length including a first end and a second end, the retainer includes a union portion extending the length of the retainer, and the retainer has a generally constant cross-sectional profile about its circumference, the retainer includes one or more angled flange portions extending from the union portion in a generally axial direction, wherein the angled flange portion has an inner radial surface and an outer radial surface, wherein the inner radial surface of the angled flange portion is angled relative to the axial direction when the retainer is in a relaxed state;
• wherein in the relaxed state the angled flange portion of the retainer is not capable of being arranged substantially within either the first radial recess or the second radial recess;
• wherein when the angled flange portion is in a non relaxed state, the angled flange portion is capable of being arranged substantially within the first radial recess or within the second radial recess for assembly of the knuckle-hub assembly;
• and when the retainer is in the assembled knuckle hub assembly, the angled flange portion extends into both the first and second radial recess and axial movement of the wheel bearing relative to the knuckle in one or more axial directions is substantially eliminated.