Double row tapered bearing with press fit preloading elements

Abstract

A UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly may include a first inner diameter race, a second inner diameter race axially offset from the first inner diameter race, and an outer diameter race radially offset from the first inner diameter race and the second inner diameter race, the outer diameter race formed as a single integral member. A first ring of rollers may be disposed between the outer diameter race and the first inner diameter race. A second ring of rollers may be disposed between the outer diameter race and the second inner diameter race. A first shield may be coupled to a first axial face of the bearing, and a second shield may be coupled to the second axial face of the bearing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly, comprising:
 an inner sleeve comprising an outer radial surface joining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a first stepped surface and the second end has a second stepped surface;   a first inner race disposed around a first portion of the outer radial surface of the inner sleeve;   a second inner race disposed around a second portion of the outer radial surface of the inner sleeve;   an outer race radially offset from the first inner race and the second inner race;   a first ring of rollers disposed between the outer race and the first inner race;   a second ring of rollers disposed between the outer race and the second inner race;   a first shield press fit on the first inner race, wherein the first shield seals with the first stepped surface; and   a second shield press fit on the second inner race, wherein the second shield seals with the second stepped surface.   
     
     
         2 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 1 , the inner sleeve further comprising a radially aligned circular ridge disposed on the outer radial surface and configured to separate the first inner race and the second inner race. 
     
     
         3 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first ring of rollers and the second ring of rollers each comprises rollers with a frustoconical shape. 
     
     
         4 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first shield and the second shield are each configured to seal an interior of the bearing assembly from external contaminants. 
     
     
         5 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the first shield and the second shield each comprises a seal contacting an inner radial surface of the outer race. 
     
     
         6 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 1 , wherein a preload to the bearing assembly is applied by tightening a nut to 40-180 ft-lbs of torque. 
     
     
         7 . A UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly, comprising:
 an inner sleeve comprising an outer radial surface joining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a stepped surface;   an inner race disposed around the outer radial surface of the inner sleeve;   an outer race radially offset from the inner race;   a first ring of rollers disposed between the outer race and inner race;   a second ring of rollers disposed between the outer race and the inner race and adjacent to the first ring of rollers; and   a first shield press fit on the inner race and into the stepped surface of the inner sleeve.   
     
     
         8 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 7 , further comprising a second shield press fit on the inner race, wherein the second shield seals with the second end of the inner sleeve. 
     
     
         9 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 7 , the inner sleeve further comprising a radially aligned circular ridge disposed on the outer radial surface and configured to separate the first inner race and the second inner race. 
     
     
         10 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first ring of rollers and the second ring of rollers each comprises rollers with a frustoconical shape. 
     
     
         11 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first shield and the second shield are each configured to seal an interior of the bearing assembly from external contaminants. 
     
     
         12 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first shield and the second shield each comprises a seal contacting an inner radial surface of the outer race. 
     
     
         13 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 7 , wherein a preload to the bearing assembly is applied by tightening a nut to 40-180 ft-lbs of torque. 
     
     
         14 . A UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly, comprising:
 an inner race having a stepped surface on a first end of the inner race;   an outer race radially offset from the inner race;   a first ring of rollers disposed between the outer race and the inner race;   a second ring of rollers disposed between the outer race and the inner race and adjacent to the first ring of rollers; and   a first shield press fit into the stepped surface of the inner race.   
     
     
         15 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 14 , further comprising a second shield press fit on a second end of the inner race. 
     
     
         16 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 14 , the inner sleeve further comprising a radially aligned circular ridge disposed on the outer radial surface and configured to separate the first inner race and the second inner race. 
     
     
         17 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first ring of rollers and the second ring of rollers each comprises rollers with a frustoconical shape. 
     
     
         18 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first shield and the second shield are each configured to seal an interior of the bearing assembly from external contaminants. 
     
     
         19 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 14 , wherein the first shield and the second shield each comprises a seal contacting an inner radial surface of the outer race. 
     
     
         20 . The UTV double row tapered wheel bearing assembly of  claim 14 , wherein a preload to the bearing assembly is applied by tightening a nut to 40-180 ft-lbs of torque.