Why Do Ball Joints Play an Indispensable Role in the Structure of Automobiles?

Ball joints can realize power transmission of different shafts through spherical connection and provide multi-angle rotation to make the steering mechanism turn smoothly. Ball joints, also called universal joints, have outer ball heads and inner ball heads. The outer ball head is connected to the hand tie rod and the inner ball head is connected to the steering gear tie rod. Close cooperation makes the steering more accurate and stable.

For example, constant velocity universal joints use spherical joints and ball bearings to achieve motion conversion between two staggered shafts. When working, the ball joint slides along the raceway to keep the angle between the input shaft and the output shaft constant. The rolling of the ball reduces friction, reduces wear and improves the durability and reliability of the entire system.

The role of ball joints in the automobile suspension system should not be underestimated. Multi-link suspension generally has 3 to 5 lateral control arms, and each arm has a ball joint or rubber bushing at both ends. Multi-link suspension can effectively cope with load transfer, cornering is more stable, and tires can better touch the ground under various road conditions.

For example, the Porsche 718 sports car has an optional rear suspension modification ball joint to replace all rubber bushings, and a wider range of camber and toe adjustment. The front and rear track is wider, which improves the handling performance.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia has a double wishbone structure at the front. The lower half of the wishbone is divided into two ball joint links to improve steering accuracy and stability. The rear multi-link can control tire movement at multiple angles.

There are ball joints between the anti-roll bar and the stabilizer bar of the car. When the car turns, it can make the tires at the same steering angle to play the effect of pulling each other left and right. It can also act between the independent suspension and the axle suspension when one side of the vehicle crosses the step.

There is also a shock-absorbing car ball joint mechanism. This is an important part of the car steering device and is closely connected with the wheels and steering wheel. It can eliminate the transmitted vibration force when the car is driving on a bumpy road to prevent the vibration force from being transmitted to the steering wheel, allowing the driver to easily control the steering wheel to ensure driving stability.

Ball Joints have a 90-degree rotation action. The plug body is a sphere with a circular through hole or channel passing through its axis. It is mainly used to cut off, distribute and change the flow direction of the medium in the pipeline. It is suitable for switches and cut-off valves. Nowadays, it is also designed to have the function of throttling and controlling flow, such as V-type ball joints.

It can be used in vacuum and low pressure conditions and can be installed in any position. To prevent static electricity, steel balls and springs are installed between the force transmission rod and the ball body and between the force transmission rod and the stuffing box to keep the parts and the valve body conductive and release static electricity.

Ball Joints play a key role in the power transmission, steering, suspension, handling and shock absorption of automobiles, greatly improving the performance and driving experience of automobiles.