A system for use in providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes a preload apparatus having a first extension and a second extension engageable with an inner race of the bearing and configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The first extension has a first projection and the second extension has a second projection. A stop ring is configured to limit a radially inward movement of the first extension and the second extension toward each other to position the first projection and the second projection relative to the bearing.

The present disclosure may relate to centerless wheel assembly that includes a centerless rim including a first center point laying in a first plane generally defined by the centerless rim. The centerless wheel assembly may also include a centerless ring gear coupled to the centerless rim such that rotation of the centerless ring gear causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim. The centerless ring gear may include a second center point laying in a second plane generally defined by the centerless ring gear, and the first plane may be generally parallel to the second plane. Additionally, the centerless ring gear may be shaped to interface with a drive gear that drives the centerless ring gear.

The present disclosure may relate to centerless wheel assembly that includes a centerless rim including a first center point laying in a first plane generally defined by the centerless rim. The centerless wheel assembly may also include a centerless ring gear coupled to the centerless rim such that rotation of the centerless ring gear causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim. The centerless ring gear may include a second center point laying in a second plane generally defined by the centerless ring gear, and the first plane may be generally parallel to the second plane. Additionally, the centerless ring gear may be shaped to interface with a drive gear that drives the centerless ring gear.

The present disclosure may relate to centerless wheel assembly that includes a centerless rim including a first center point laying in a first plane generally defined by the centerless rim. The centerless wheel assembly may also include a centerless ring gear coupled to the centerless rim such that rotation of the centerless ring gear causes a corresponding rotation of the centerless rim. The centerless ring gear may include a second center point laying in a second plane generally defined by the centerless ring gear, and the first plane may be generally parallel to the second plane. Additionally, the centerless ring gear may be shaped to interface with a drive gear that drives the centerless ring gear.

A rolling bearing providing an outer ring, an inner ring, and a plurality of rolling bodies disposed between the inner ring and the outer ring, and a sealing device held by the outer ring and consisting of a first and second annular shield and an elastomeric sealing element held by one of the shields. The second shield extends axially and radially to protrude on the outside of the outer ring and cooperates with a radially outer lateral surface of the outer ring, to delimit a radial annular gap therewith. An annular tooth is formed on the radially outer lateral surface of the outer ring in front of the radial gap to shield the radial gap in axial direction. An annular groove formed in a position immediately adjacent to the annular tooth and on the side opposite to the second shield.

An axle depends from a heavy-duty vehicle. Each one of a pair of wheel end assemblies is mounted on a respective one of the ends of the axle. Each wheel end assembly includes a pair of bearings mounted on a spindle of the axle, and a wheel hub rotatably mounted on the bearings. A cavity is formed in the wheel end assembly between the bearings. A port is formed in the wheel hub and extends axially inwardly from an outboard end to a lubricant cavity of the hub, and angles radially inwardly from the outboard end to the lubricant cavity at an angle relative to an axial centerline of the hub. Lubricant for the bearings is introduced into the cavity by means of the port, and the port is tapped to receive a plug to seal it and contain the lubricant in the cavity. The port also provides a visual indicator if there is a leakage of semi-fluid grease.