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.