Abstract The method of constructing a bearing such as a ball for a rod end or a ball stud, for examples, has layers built up thereon from a dipping, or plating and/or spraying process. The ball has a highly polished surface which is treated to have little or no adhesion with a metal layer plated thereon. The first layer of lead, tin or the like is plated on the ball surface with a minimum adhesion therebetween. On this first layer is plated a bearing metal such as silver, nickel, bronze and the like which adheres thereto. A housing is built up on the second layers by a plating or spraying process and the adherred layers are freed from the ball surface by a very light breakaway force. A predetermined clearance is obtained between the bearing metal and ball surface when the first layer is eroded away.
In the method as recited in claim 1, wherein an interrupted layer of a material having lubricating properties is applied between the first and second layers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
24 words
In the method as recited in claim 1, wherein the first layer is composed of a metal such as lead, tin and the like.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
In the method as recited in claim 3, wherein the second layer is of silver, nickel, bronze and the like having good bearing qualities.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
In the method as recited in claim 3, wherein a broken layer is applied to the first layer before the second layer is plated, said broken layer being composed of graphite or like lubricant.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
In the method as recited in claim 5, wherein the housing is built up from iron, nickel and like platable or sprayable metals.