Vehicle wheel mounting unit

A method of assembling a bearing/hub/steering knuckle unit, the bearing including an outer race having first and second outer raceways that are inclined in opposite directions with respect to the axis, first and second inner raceways that are presented toward and inclined in the same directions as the first and second outer raceways, respectively, at least the second inner raceway being on an inner race that is initially separate from the hub, with its axial position being established by an abutment face that is along the hub, and rolling elements organized in a first row between the first raceways and in a second row between the second raceways, whereby the bearing will transmit radial loads and also thrust loads in both axial directions between the knuckle and the hub, said method comprising:

• providing outer raceways in the knuckle;
• fitting the first rolling elements between the first raceways such that they seat along the first raceways;
• ascertaining the axial position of the initially separate inner race that will place the bearing in a predetermined condition of preload when the initially separate inner race is fitted over the hub with an interference fit and against the abutment face;
• providing an initially separate inner race that will provide the required axial position;
• installing the initially separate inner race on the hub with an interference fit and against the abutment face in the position ascertained;
• and capturing the initially separate inner race against the abutment face and an abutment on the hub to insure that it retains the position ascertained and that the bearing operates in preload;
• wherein the initially separate inner race is the second inner race and the step of ascertaining the axial position of the initially separate inner race further comprises the steps of:
• measuring a dimension C from an inner surface to an outer surface of the second inner race;
• placing the second inner race within the second outer race with the second rolling elements disposed therebetween;
• measuring a dimension A from the outer surface of the second inner race and an outer surface of the second outer race;
• mounting the hub within the knuckle with rolling element disposed between the first inner race and first outer race;
• measuring a dimension B from a surface of the first inner race and the outer surface of the second outer race;
• calculating a finish dimension by subtracting dimension A, dimension B and a desired bearing preload from dimension C to obtain a finish dimension;
• and machining the finish dimension from the inner surface of the second inner race.

A method of providing a pre-set vehicle wheel mounting unit comprising:

• providing a knuckle;
• providing a hub;
• providing a rolling element bearing;
• and
• assembling said knuckle, hub, and bearing together as a unit by ascertaining the axial position of an initially separate inner race by performing the steps of:
• measuring a dimension C from an inner surface to an outer surface of the second inner race;
• placing the second inner race within the second outer race with the second rolling elements disposed therebetween;
• measuring a dimension A from the outer surface of the second inner race and an outer surface of the second outer race;
• mounting the hub within the knuckle with rolling element disposed between the first inner race and first outer race;
• measuring a dimension B from a surface of the first inner race and the outer surface of the second outer race;
• calculating a finish dimension by subtracting dimension A, dimension B and a desired bearing preload from dimension C to obtain a finish dimension;
• and
• machining the finish dimension from the inner surface of the second inner race.