Method of assembling multi-cage thrust bearing

A method of assembling a multi-row thrust bearing cage, the method comprising:

• (i) providing an inner cage and an outer cage, the inner cage including a first retainer and a first alignment guide, the outer cage including a second retainer and a second alignment guide;
• (ii) positioning the inner cage and the outer cage relative to each other such that the first alignment guide is circumferentially aligned with the second alignment guide;
• (iii) inserting the inner cage relative to the outer cage such that the first retainer of the inner cage engages with the second retainer of the outer cage;
• and
• (iv) arranging a first washer and a second washer on either axial side of the inner cage and the outer cage, wherein the first washer and the second washer each have a flat profile,
• wherein the first retainer on the inner cage includes an opening and the second retainer on the outer cage includes a radially inwardly extending protrusion, and
• the first alignment guide includes a radially outwardly extending tab, and the second alignment guide includes a slot.

A multi-row thrust bearing cage comprising:

• an inner cage including a first inner rim, a first outer rim, a first plurality of crossbars extending between the first inner rim and the first outer rim to define a first plurality of rolling element pockets, and a first retainer and a first alignment guide defined on the first outer rim;
• and
• an outer cage including a second inner rim, a second outer rim, a second plurality of crossbars extending between the second inner rim and the second outer rim to define a second plurality of rolling element pockets, and a second retainer and a second alignment guide defined on the second inner rim,
• wherein the inner cage and the outer cage are captively secured to each other via alignment of the first alignment guide and the second alignment guide and direct engagement between the first retainer and the second retainer.