What Is a Ball Stud?
A ball stud is a metal part used in mechanisms called joints in suspensions and stabilizers that absorb shock and vibration.
Also known as a spherical joint, a ball stud facilitates movement in multiple directions beyond simple rotational or linear motion. Traditionally, rubber bushings were used in suspension components, but ball studs are now preferred for enhanced strength and performance.
Uses of Ball Studs
Ball studs are primarily used in automobile suspensions and arms. Compared to traditional rubber bushings, ball studs allow for freer movement, enhancing the transmission of road surface conditions to the steering wheel. This capability provides drivers with a more direct feel of the road. In the manufacturing industry, ball studs find applications in machine tools, textile machinery, and packaging machinery, serving as bearings in control and linkage mechanisms.
Principle of Ball Studs
Ball studs are capable of supporting large radial and axial loads simultaneously in a compact design. They come in three main types based on the sliding surface: insert, die-cast, and oilless types.
The insert type features a spherical inner ring in contact with a special copper alloy bushing. The die-cast type has a spherical inner ring in contact with a special zinc alloy. The oilless type, on the other hand, uses a self-lubricating fluoroplastic liner for smooth rotation and tilting motion. Insert and die-cast types require regular lubrication with special grease to maintain functionality and prevent wear and seizure. Each type has its specific allowable operating temperature range: approximately 350 °F for insert type, 175 °F for die-cast type, and 300 °F for oilless type.