Bearing assembly with elastomeric sleeve element

A process for producing a bearing assembly includes positioning a first sleeve element in an injection mould, the injection mould having a cylindrical recess with a diameter for receiving the first sleeve element and the outside diameter of the first sleeve element being lesser than the diameter of the recess. A second sleeve element is positioned concentrically within the first sleeve element in the injection mould to define an annular chamber and elastomeric material in a molten state is injected under pressure into the annular chamber between the sleeve elements such that the outside diameter of the first sleeve element is expanded. The elastomeric material is allowed to solidify in the annular chamber between the two sleeve elements and the assembly of sleeves and elastomeric material are removed as a unit from the injection mould.