Abstract: A joint for a rack and pinion power steering assembly connects the rack coaxially to a tie rod. The joint comprises a socket member having a first end portion connected to the tie rod, and a second end connected to rack. The second end portion of the socket has a chamber and a pair of openings into the chamber. The openings are centered on an axis perpendicular to longitudinal axis of the tie rod. A ball member has a pair of diametrically opposed projections extending coaxially out of the openings in the socket. A connecting member connects the projections on the ball member to the rack, with the axis of the ball member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rack. The rack is thus pivotal with the ball member relative to the socket and the tie rod.

Abstract: A ball joint comprises a sheet metal socket having a spherical chamber with first and second openings into the chamber. An elastomeric bearing encapsulating the ball end of a stud supports the stud with the ball end in the socket chamber, and with the stud shank extending from the first opening. The socket comprises a semi-spherical sheet metal wall portion which defines the second opening, and which is at least partially comprised of segments separated by seams extending from the second opening toward the first opening.

Abstract: A turnbuckle assembly for an automotive steering system tie-rod connection applies both radial and axial forces against the engaged threads to resist relaxation of tightening between the threads and to prevent spreading of the seam of a rolled stamped sleeve. Complimentary conical surfaces of a nut and the sleeve apply a compressive force as the nut is advanced axially onto the sleeve.

Abstract: A tie rod end has a one-piece stamped sheet metal housing for connecting a tie rod and a ball stud. The sheet metal housing includes a tie rod receiving portion with a longitudinally extending chamber for receiving an end portion of a tie rod; a socket portion which encloses a ball stud and an elastomeric bearing therebetween; and a connector section extending between the tie rod receiving portion and the socket portion. The sheet metal housing is made by starting with a single flat piece of sheet metal which is formed, using progressive dies, into its final shape. The sheet metal element has only one seam thereon, which extends throughout the tie rod receiving portion and connector portion and through a part only of the socket portion. The single piece of sheet metal encircles the ball stud and bearing and completely defines an opening through which a shank of the ball stud projects.

Abstract: A linkage component includes a rod portion. The rod portion of the linkage component includes a tubular inner layer and a tubular outer layer which is coaxial with and encloses the tubular inner layer. An inner surface of the tubular outer layer circumferentially abuts an outer surface of the tubular inner layer along at least a major portion of the axial extent of the rod portion. The double-layered rod portion of the linkage component has a relatively large section modulus.

Abstract: A joint includes a stud, a socket, and an elastomeric bearing disposed between the stud and the socket. The stud includes a head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion. The socket has a surface defining a chamber in which the head portion is disposed. The socket also has an opening through which the shank portion extends. The elastomeric bearing has a first portion and a second portion of a higher durometer than the first portion. The second portion is integrally formed with the first portion.

Abstract: A joint includes a stud, a socket, and an elastomeric bearing disposed between the stud and the socket. The stud includes a head portion and a shank portion extending from the head portion. The socket has a surface defining a chamber in which the head portion is disposed. The socket also has an opening through which the shank portion extends. The elastomeric bearing has a first portion and a second portion of a higher durometer than the first portion. The second portion is integrally formed with the first portion.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint is used between members which pivot relative to each other. The joint includes a ball stud for connection with one member and a socket for connection with the other member. The ball stud has a ball portion and a shank portion projecting from the ball portion. The socket has a chamber in which the ball portion is located and an opening through which the shank portion projects. A cup-shaped bearing liner is interposed between a first part of the ball portion and the socket for transmitting forces and enabling sliding movement to occur therebetween. An elastomeric layer is bonded to a second part of the ball portion and resiliently interconnects the ball stud and socket and urges the ball stud and socket to initial relative positions when they are moved therefrom. The elastomeric layer has portions which project into volumes defined by the socket to mechanically interlock the elastomeric layer and socket and block slipping of the elastomeric layer relative to the socket.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint connects load transmitting members for relative pivotal movement. The ball and socket joint includes a socket, a ball stud, and a deformable elastomeric material. The socket connects with one member. The socket has an opening and a surface defining a chamber. The ball stud connects with the other member. The ball stud has a ball portion and a shank portion extending therefrom. The ball portion is disposed in the chamber and the shank portion extends through the opening. The ball portion includes at least one surface defining a volume therein. The deformable elastomeric material is disposed between the socket and the ball portion of the ball stud to resiliently interconnect the ball stud with the socket. The deformable elastomeric material also urges the ball stud to return to an initial position relative to the socket upon relative movement of the ball stud and socket.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering assembly for automobiles and the like dirigible wheel equipped vehicles having a longitudinally driven rack bar connected to wheel turning tie rod linkage by ball and socket joints with thin wall, tubular metal housings or casings which are easily and inexpensively attached to the ends of the rack bar by deformation and which preload the bearings of the joints to maintain a predetermined torque on the ball studs and eliminate end play between the tie rods and the rack bar.