Abstract: A method and system for determining a hardness of a component to be tested by utilizing an ultrasonic meter. The method and system both comprise selecting a component to be tested which has a longitudinal axis; positioning a probe of the ultrasonic meter for emitting a signal from an emitter of the probe into an end surface of the component to be tested and along the longitudinal axis of the component; emitting the signal from the emitter of the probe into the first surface of the component to be tested; passing the emitted signal through the component to be tested; reflecting the emitted signal via an opposed second surface of the component to be tested back toward a detector of the probe; detecting the reflected signal via the detector of the probe; and determining a hardness of the component to be tested based upon a velocity of the emitted signal.

Abstract: A ball joint having a housing, an opening and an inner circumferential surface facing the opening and extending around a longitudinal axis. The housing holds a ball socket that opens toward the opening and has an overlap region that is inclined radially inward, in the direction of the opening, and which, with the circumferential surface, delimits an annular space. A ball pin having a joint ball is mounted in the socket and extends out of the housing through the opening. A locking ring is inserted into the annular space and fixed axially between the socket and an inner shoulder located adjacent the opening. An outer circumferential surface of the locking ring abuts the circumferential surface and a surface which abuts an area of the overlap region and which is inclined inwardly toward the longitudinal axis in the direction of the pin opening. The locking ring is an open ring.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a hardness of a component to be tested by utilizing an ultrasonic meter. The method and system both comprise selecting a component to be tested which has a longitudinal axis; positioning a probe of the ultrasonic meter for emitting a signal from an emitter of the probe into an end surface of the component to be tested and along the longitudinal axis of the component; emitting the signal from the emitter of the probe into the first surface of the component to be tested; passing the emitted signal through the component to be tested; reflecting the emitted signal via an opposed second surface of the component to be tested back toward a detector of the probe; detecting the reflected signal via the detector of the probe; and determining a hardness of the component to be tested based upon a velocity of the emitted signal.

Abstract: A method for forming a control arm is provided. The method includes providing an insert and a mold and also includes overcasting the insert within a metal in the mold. The insert defines a recess that is shaped for receiving a mating component. After the insert is overcast within the metal, the mating component may be positioned or mounted within the recess of the insert. A related control arm is also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a control arm is provided. The method includes providing an insert and a mold and also includes overcasting the insert within a metal in the mold. The insert defines a recess that is shaped for receiving a mating component. After the insert is overcast within the metal, the mating component may be positioned or mounted within the recess of the insert. A related control arm is also provided.