Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes an elongated stud, a socket housing, and a boot and seal assembly having a seal lip. A boot and seal assembly for use in a ball joint assembly includes a body and a diaphragm extending therefrom. The diaphragm includes a seal portion having a seal lip that has an elongated profile of a substantially uniform section. The seal portion may be a first seal portion that is adapted to engage an elongated stud of a ball joint assembly. The diaphragm further may include a second seal portion that is adapted to engage a mating component connected to the ball joint assembly. The boot and seal assembly may include a third seal portion that is also adapted to engage the mating component.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes an elongated stud, a socket housing, and a boot and seal assembly having a seal lip. A boot and seal assembly for use in a ball joint assembly includes a body and a diaphragm extending therefrom. The diaphragm includes a seal portion having a seal lip that has an elongated profile of a substantially uniform section. The seal portion may be a first seal portion that is adapted to engage an elongated stud of a ball joint assembly. The diaphragm further may include a second seal portion that is adapted to engage a mating component connected to the ball joint assembly. The boot and seal assembly may include a third seal portion that is also adapted to engage the mating component.

Abstract: A ball and socket assembly may be used in an automotive suspension system. It may include a ball stud having a shaft portion extending from a ball portion, and a bearing having a wall portion defining an open end and an end portion defining a closed end, with the wall portion and the end portion further defining a cavity having the ball portion received therein, and with the open end of the wall portion including a radially outwardly extending seal flange. A shell has a sidewall portion including a generally cylindrical inner surface for receiving the bearing. The sidewall portion of the shell defines an open end face adjacent to the open end of the bearing, with the seal flange of the bearing extending radially outward of the cylindrical inner surface of the shell and substantially covering the open end face of the shell. Also, the assembly provides for securing the shell to the bearing.