Problems and Solutions in the Operation of a Car Ball Joint

Abstract

The article presents the signs of ball joint malfunction. During vehicle operation, this component absorbs any impact from the road surface, meaning that under operating conditions it is subjected to heavy loads. The authors propose extending the service life of the ball joint by using an innovative repair kit designed for reciprocating rotational motion. The study shows the results of stabilization, wear mode, and wear uniformity. In reciprocating rotational motion of the shaft or outer ring, this is achieved by twisting the spring insert. Accordingly, braking occurs on the inner or outer surface of the spring insert (ratchet effect), and it is forced to rotate only in one direction depending on the winding direction of the spring. During operation, the frictional contact surfaces change, which helps reduce their wear. To meet these conditions, a design of sliding bearings for rotational motion has been proposed, in which these requirements can be implemented. For this purpose, the bearing is equipped with a movable spring insert in the form of a helical cylindrical spring (an intermediate element), which in oscillatory mode is forced to rotate only in one direction, thereby ensuring uniform wear.