Abstract: A ball and socket joint assembly incorporates an internal preload whereby a relatiely constant torque may be realized over the useful life of the assembly. In a preferred form, the assembly includes a housing having a ball socket cavity, a ball, a pair of socket beraings supporting the ball, and a stud shaft integral with the ball. The housing defines an axis along which the socket bearings position and retain the ball for limited oscillatory movement within the housing. One socket bearing defines a ring through which the stud shaft extends for coupling to the tie rod end of a steering arm assembly. The other socket bearing is cup-shaped and formed of an extrudable plastic material. A radially oriented seat in the housing is adapted to support a conical disc spring washer interposed between the seat and the cup-shaped bearing. The conical washer is preferably a Belleville spring capable of providing a relatively constant force over a limited deflection range.

Abstract: A preloaded steering ball joint assembly provides a system wherein relatively constant torque may be realized over the useful life of the joint. In a preferred form, the joint assembly includes a housing having a ball socket cavity, and a ball and a shaft integral with the ball. Top and bottom bearing seats are disposed for positioning and retaining the ball within the housing. The bottom seat includes an aperture for permitting passage of the shaft, while the top seat includes both an aperture as well as radial passageways for permitting access of lubricant into a lubricant chamber portion of the socket cavity. A preferred method of manufacture includes insert molding an elastomer disc over the top bearing seat by a pre-measured amount of overfill, then after its formation compressing the elastomer disc by means of a second disc made of metal by peening the latter metallic disc over the elastomer disc.