Abstract: An apparatus and method for the manufacture and maintenance of flexible joint gimbal systems. The apparatus and method reduce metal corrugated bellows gimbal joint fatigue damage due to loose fitting parts by implementing a spherical washer to reduce clearance in the flexible joint of the gimbal within desired tolerances.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing clearances within a flexible joint gimbal system. The apparatus comprises a washer having a centrally located hole. The washer includes a cylindrical side, wherein the cylindrical side is shaped to contact a side of a ring of the gimbal when the washer is located between a clevis of a gimbal and the ring. The washer further includes a spherical side, wherein the spherical side has a shape that enables the clevis to rotate with respect to the ring about an axis extending centrally through the hole in the washer when the washer is located between the clevis and the ring.