Process for making a replaceable socket for a ball and socket bearing

Abstract

A process for making a replaceable socket having a body portion with a concave internal raceway and insertion slot structure to allow installation and removal of a spherical bearing and the replaceable socket made by that process. The process includes the steps of providing a mandrel; providing a removable core assembly that includes a cylindrical core axially truncated to have opposed arcuate surfaces conforming to the insertion slot structure and spaced apart ends, and a truncated spherical core having an open diametrically extending slot dimensioned to removably receive one of the cylindrical core ends therein when assembled and a spherical surface in conformity with the spherical bearing to be installed in the socket; mounting the core assembly on the mandrel; applying a parting agent to the core assembly; applying an overlayment onto the core assembly; applying a hardenable liquid to coat and bond the overlayment and fill any interstices that exist; hardening the liquid to form a unitary member having an outer surface; removing excess overlayment from the unitary member to provide the socket with a finished periphery and ends; removing the core assembly with the finished socket thereon from the mandrel; withdrawing the cylindrical core axially from one of the finished ends to expose the insertion slots in the socket; and rotating the truncated spherical core within the replaceable race and withdrawing same through the exposed insertion slots to expose the concave raceway within the socket.