Importance

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Abstract

A method for manufacturing a cartridge-type housing for a ball and socket joint in a vehicular suspension system comprises the steps of inserting a housing blank into a forging tool die, expanding the housing blank within the forging tool die using a forging tool punch, and forming knurls on an exterior surface of the housing during the expanding step. The ball and socket joint assembly thus formed comprises a housing having an interior socket and an exterior surface at least partially knurled for press fit into a mating first suspension part, such as a control arm. A ball is rotatably seated within the socket to provide an articulating joint. A mounting shank extends from the ball, outwardly from the housing, for attaching to a second suspension component, such as a suspended wheel. The housing, together with its knurls, is formed in a forging tool. As distinguished from the prior art technique of machining, knurls formed in the forging process allow economical, high-volume production. In addition, the forging technique allows greater design flexibility to place knurls in surface configurations previously unattainable or impractical with conventional machining techniques.

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First Claim