Abstract: A composite support bearing for the ball of a ball and socket joint comprises a hard plastics bearing member for the ball in the socket and a soft plastics cushion member held by the bearing member so as to be stressed by contact with the ball on assembly of the joint. The bearing member and the cushion member are preferably interlocked to prevent relative rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to ball and socket joint assemblies having a socket housing with a cavity in which the head of a ball pin is located. The cavity has a resilient lining, preferably in the form of a bearing cup; and a resilient end cap located in the bottom of the lined cavity so that after assembly of the joint the lining provides a bearing surface on one side of the head, and the end cap provides a bearing surface on the other side of the head. The end cap and the lining are spaced apart by resilient ribs that are held in compression by assembly of the joint.