A method for chipless machining of a surface region of a rolling-element bearing ring includes rotating the rolling-element bearing ring relative to a first tool having a first tool tip and a second tool having a second tool tip, positioning the first and second tool tips at start positions at first and second opposite axial ends of the surface region, and moving the first and second tools in opposite axial directions such that the first tool tip follows a first helical or spiral path on the surface region and the second tool tip follows a second helical or spiral path on the surface region, the first and second paths crossing at multiple points within an overlap region located between axial ends of the surface regions.

A method of forming a component includes heating the component to a burnishing temperature above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and burnishing a surface of the component while the component is at the burnishing temperature to densify the surface. The burnishing process at an elevated temperature may be integrated into other processes, such as the sintering or heat treating processes.

A bearing element may include a bearing substrate and a sliding layer of a sliding layer material. The sliding layer material may include a polymeric material and nanodiamonds. The nanodiamonds may also be surface-functionalised nanodiamonds. The bearing element may be suitable for automotive applications, including, but not limited, use within automotive engines.

A method of forming a component includes heating the component to a burnishing temperature above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and burnishing a surface of the component while the component is at the burnishing temperature to densify the surface. The burnishing process at an elevated temperature may be integrated into other processes, such as the sintering or heat treating processes.

A retainer (30) for maintaining a relative angular spacing of a plurality of rolling elements includes a body (34) having an annular portion (38) and a plurality of engaging portions (42). Each of the engaging portions is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of rolling elements. The body is made of a sintered powdered metal infiltrated with bronze.

A bearing device includes a bearing, a bushing and an electrically insulating insert interposed between and connecting the bushing and a ring of the bearing. The bushing has a cylindrical surface and first and second axially facing front faces at either axial end of the cylindrical surface, and a connection chamfer connects the first front face to the cylindrical surface of the bushing. The connection chamfer has a radiused portion meeting the first front face at a first sharp edge and a spherical surface extending from the radiused portion to the cylindrical surface of the bushing and meeting the cylindrical surface of the bushing at a second sharp edge. A value of a radius of the spherical surface increases in a direction toward the second front face.