Abstract: A ball and socket joint, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle, as well as to a process for manufacturing a joint housing for a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint has an essentially annular joint housing (3), in the cylindrical interior space of which a ball shell (1) can be arranged. The ball (2) of a ball pivot can be accommodated in the ball shell (1) in a slidingly movable manner. The joint housing is of a smooth cylindrical design in the area of a housing cover-side functional section (14), while elevations (10) and/or depressions (15) are arranged in the area of a ball pivot-side functional section (13) of the inner jacket surface of the joint housing.

Abstract: A ball and socket joint, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle, as well as to a process for manufacturing a joint housing for a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint has an essentially annular joint housing (3), in the cylindrical interior space of which a ball shell (1) can be arranged. The ball (2) of a ball pivot can be accommodated in the ball shell (1) in a slidingly movable manner, and the joint housing (3) has elevations (10) and/or depressions (15) arranged in the area of its inner jacket surface (13, 14) for engagement with the surface of the ball shell (1).

Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing balls, especially for ball and socket joints, as well as to a ball element for two-part ball pivots. The microalloyed carbon-manganese steel balls are manufactured by cold extrusion and subsequent grinding. Annealing can thus be completely eliminated, as a result of which a less expensive material can be used. The process makes possible a manufacture of balls especially for two-part ball pivots in a simpler manner and at a lower cost, and the surface finish and the material quality as well as the strength and the wear resistance are at the same time preserved or increased. As a result, the effort needed to manufacture the balls is reduced, and, moreover, the problem of the impact marks often developing on the ball surfaces during tempering is eliminated.