Ball joint assembly
Adjustable and rebuildable ball joint assemblies are disclosed. Methods for installation, adjustment, and rebuilding ball joint assemblies are described. In some embodiments, the ball joint assembly includes a washer with tabs to restrain rotation of the cap relative to the housing. In some embodiments, the ball joint assembly includes a locking mechanism to restrain rotation of the bearing relative to the housing.
1. A method of installing a lower ball joint assembly into a vehicle comprising:
positioning a housing into a component of the vehicle, the housing defining a cavity and a longitudinal axis and comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising an opening;
positioning a bearing in the cavity of the housing;
advancing a ball stud proximally into the cavity of the housing such that the bearing rotatably supports the ball stud;
positioning a cap over the ball stud and engaging the cap with the housing; and
restraining rotation of the cap relative to the housing, wherein restraining rotation of the cap relative to the housing comprises:
positioning a washer distal to the housing and proximal to the cap, the washer comprising a first tab and a second tab;
bending the first tab of the washer proximally into a slot of the housing to rotationally restrain the washer relative to the housing; and
bending the second tab of the washer distally into a notch of the cap to rotationally restrain the washer relative to the cap.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein positioning the housing into the component of the vehicle comprises press fitting the housing into the component of the vehicle.
3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising restraining rotation of a proximal portion of the bearing relative to the housing.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein restraining rotation of the proximal portion of the bearing comprises engaging a pin with the housing and the proximal portion of the bearing.
5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a compressive force on the bearing.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein adjusting the compressive force on the bearing comprises rotating the cap in a first direction to increase the compressive force on the bearing and rotating the cap in a second direction to decrease the compressive force on the bearing.
7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising installing the lower ball joint assembly with a tie rod of the vehicle.
8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising installing the lower ball joint assembly with a control arm for a suspension system of the vehicle.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the washer comprises a body, and the first tab and the second tab extend away from the body.