Patent ID: 7344311
Filing Date: 2008-03-18
Classification: F16C

Abstract:
1. A suspension joint for a vehicle comprising: a ball joint stud having a convex semi-spherical stud head; a housing for receiving said stud head for articulated movement therein, said housing having a central bore; a bearing body defining a central axis and disposed between said housing and said stud head for establishing a sliding interface therebetween; said bearing body being nested in said central bore and a concave semi-spherical inner surface for directly engaging said stud head; said bearing body including a discontinuity extending generally radially through said bearing body and axially along the entire length of said bearing body; and said bearing body further including at least three radial slots extending radially outwardly from said inner surface to a termination point embedded within said bearing body, each of said radial slots having a distinct radial depth as measured from said central axis to said termination point, such that no more than two of said radial slots have an identical radial depth.