Common Ball Joint Failures
Assuming the ball joint is properly designed for the intended application and load, several common failures can still occur.
What Causes Ball Joints to Fail?
Material Voids or Material Inclusions
Voids or foreign inclusions in the surface of the ball joint are normally caught during manufacturer inspection. These material defects can create stress risers and points for premature wear to begin, significantly shortening component life or, in some cases, causing catastrophic failure.
Improper Finishing
Like any machined component, machining processes require routine and disciplined inspection to ensure the component has the proper geometry, size, and surface finish. If these checks are ignored, products that do not meet specification could make their way into the field and fail.
Galling
Ball joints are designed to ride on a film of lubrication. Without proper lubrication, dry steel-to-steel friction can quickly destroy the ball joint, especially when the surface finish of the ball and mating components is not smooth.
Contamination
Ball joints are protected from contamination and moisture by specially designed caps and seals. When these components fail, the ball joint becomes vulnerable to dirt and moisture, leading to abrasive wear and corrosion.
Improper Heat Treatment
Ball joints are normally made of steel and case hardened. If the case is too deep, the ball joint can become too rigid and fracture under severe service. If the case is too shallow or soft, premature surface wear can occur. Proper case hardness and consistent case depth are critical.
PLASNIT Ion Nitriding + PLASOX® Corrosion Protection
JGS’ PLASNIT Ion Nitriding coupled with our PLASOX® corrosion protection process provides a dual treatment process for demanding ball joint applications.
Our controlled pulsed plasma nitriding process provides repeatable case hardness and case depth with no distortion.
The treated surface provides a reduced coefficient of friction, corrosion protection, and an aesthetically pleasing black appearance.
Improve the Service Life of Your Ball Joints
Contact JGS Nitriding to discuss your ball joint application and learn how PLASNIT and PLASOX® treatment can improve performance and durability.