Abstract: An improved ball joint for use in such a motor vehicle steering or suspension system comprises a socket shell having a pair of openings; a bearing disposed in the socket shell; a first ball stud portion and a second ball stud portion disposed in the socket shell, the first ball stud portion defining a first bearing surface and the second stud portion defining a second bearing surface; and ball stud disposed between the bearing and the first and second ball stud portions, the ball stud having an inner surface seated on the first bearing surface of the first ball stud portion and the second bearing surface of the second ball stud portion.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a ball and joint assembly having a ball portion and at least one shank portion with an end. The end of the shank portion mounts within a mounting recess in a washer. Adhesive may be applied between the end of the shank and the mounting recess to enhance the retention of the washer on the shank portion. This ball joint may be employed in a vehicle suspension.

Abstract: An inverted ball joint is adapted to mount between a first vehicle suspension member and a second vehicle suspension member. The inverted ball joint may include a ball stud having a shank portion extending from a ball portion, with the ball portion including a first surface that has a generally convex semi-spherical shape adjacent to the shank portion and an opposed second surface facing away from the shank portion that has a generally concave semi-spherical shape. A first bearing includes a first surface that has a generally convex semi-spherical shape that matches the curvature of and is in sliding engagement with the second surface of the ball portion, and an opposed second surface that has a generally concave shape. A second bearing includes a first surface having a generally concave semi-spherical shape matching the curvature of and in sliding engagement with the first surface of the ball portion, and an opposed second surface.

Abstract: A control arm (30) comprises a first member (32) with a first portion (42) connectable to a vehicle frame (38). A second portion (56) of the first member (32) is connectable to a steering knuckle (14). A connecting portion (64) interconnects the first and second portions (42, 56) of the first member (32). A second member (34) includes a third portion (68) connectable to the vehicle frame (38) and a rod portion (84) extending from the third portion (68). The rod portion (84) includes a terminal end (86) rigidly connected to the connecting portion (64) of the first member (32) to prevent relative movement between said first and second members.