Rocker arm and method of making same

Abstract

A rocker arm and method of making same are provided. The rocker arm is of the cam-follower type and includes a metal body preferably made from a stamped metal piece and a stamped metal strip. A rounded recess is formed at one end portion of the metal piece and facing away from the metal strip to receive a lifter post having an end on which the rocker arm can pivot. The metal piece also has an additional recess at another end portion to receive an end of a valve stem and the metal strip has an intermediate convex portion facing away from the metal piece. The metal piece has a hole extending therethrough and communicating with the rounded recess, while the strip forms an oil passage communicating with the hole and extending toward the convex portion to supply lubricating fluid between the convex portion and the rounded recess. The convex portion has a shallow recess in which is received a hardened metal insert to be engaged by a cam. A softer metal layer is preferably in the shallow recess below the hardened insert. The insert is preferably affixed in the shallow recess by laser welding the ends of the insert to edges of the shallow recess.