Patent ID: 10315476

Abstract:
A replacement ball joint assembly (10) adapted to be pressed into a previously used and possibly distorted receiving hole (26) in a suspension component such as a control arm (28). A socket housing (12) of the assembly (10) includes a plurality of generally annular, concentric knurls (36) each having a respective crest portion (38) and separated one from another by intervening relief grooves (40). The crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) may be tapered so as to provide a lead-in feature to minimize misalignment during a press-in installation operation. The knurls (36) are preferably softer than the control arm material so that they yield during press-in rather than further disfiguring or enlarging the receiving hole (26). Displaced material from the crest portions (38) of the knurls (36) flows into the relief grooves (40).