Abstract: A vehicle steering linkage member (40) comprises a socket (42), and a stud (10) having a ball end portion (48) received in the socket and supported for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The stud (10) has a longitudinal axis (52), with a shank portion (50) projecting from the socket (42) and centered on the axis. The shank portion (50) of the ball stud (10) includes a predetermined weakened portion (70). The predetermined weakened portion (70) buckles under a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined weakened portion (70) may have a cross-sectional configuration not centered on the axis (52).

Abstract: A vehicle steering linkage member (40) comprises a socket (42), and a stud (10) having a ball end portion (48) received in the socket and supported for pivotal movement relative to the socket. The stud (10) has a longitudinal axis (52), with a shank portion (50) projecting from the socket (42) and centered on the axis. The shank portion (50) of the ball stud (10) includes a predetermined weakened portion (70). The predetermined weakened portion (70) buckles under a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined weakened portion (70) may have a cross-sectional configuration not centered on the axis (52).

Abstract: A ball joint (10) includes a socket (40) with a housing (42) and a stem portion (44). The housing (42) defines a chamber (60). A ball stud (80) has a ball portion (82) in the chamber (60) and a stud portion (84) extending from the ball portion. The ball portion (82) has a center (90) and the stud portion (84) has an axis (86) intersecting the center. The ball portion (82) has an equator (92) extending perpendicular to the axis (86) and dividing the ball portion into first and second hemispheres (94, 96). First and second bearings (110, 120) are located in the chamber (60) and engage the first and second hemispheres (94, 96), respectively, of the ball portion (82). First and second dampers (130, 132) act between the socket (40) and the respective first and second bearings (110, 120) and bias the first and second bearings toward the equator (92) and provide first and second clearances (131, 133), respectively, between the socket (40) and the first and second bearings.

Abstract: A rack and pinion steering gear (10) comprises a rack (14) and a housing (12) for receiving the rack. The housing (12) has a chamber (42) for receiving a rack supporting yoke (70). The chamber (42) has a threaded portion (44) with internal threads (45). A rack supporting yoke (70) is disposed in the chamber (42) and supports the rack (14) for movement in the housing (12). An externally threaded yoke plug (90) is screwed into the internal threads (45) of the threaded portion (44). An externally threaded lock nut (120) is screwed into the internal threads (45) of the threaded portion (44) and into abutting engagement with the yoke plug (90) to lock the yoke plug in the housing (12).